There are a lot of worthy candidates and compelling storylines in the 2025-26 NBA MVP race, so much so that some fans think the award is theirs. The latest ESPN straw poll suggests otherwise. Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in position to retain his crown.
A panel consisting of 100 local, national and international media members believe the 27-year-old guard is the man responsible for the beating. Gilgeous-Alexander received 78 first-place votes, surpassing Nikola Jokic (18), Cade Cunningham (1), Victor Vembanyama (3) and the rest of the field. With a lead of 230 points, the consensus is that a player will earn MVP honors in back-to-back seasons for the seventh time since 2006.
A lot has changed since ESPN’s initial survey in December. Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic were locked in a tight battle, with only 15 first-place votes and 43 total points separating the former from the latter. Luka Doncic also secured third place. Due to another injury, the NBA’s scoring leader (points per game) lost much of the lead and fell to fifth in the second poll. The Los Angeles Lakers’ position in the Western Conference standings (fifth) may be a factor.
The Thunder have held first place in the West throughout the season (although the San Antonio Spurs are close). Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player predicted by many to become the league’s first repeat champion in eight years. Stability is also working in their favor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can easily overtake his competitors
Although the 2025 NBA Finals MVP is currently dealing with an abdominal strain, he has only missed seven games to this point in the campaign. Jokic is dangerously close to falling below the mandatory 65-game requirement (with only one more contest to go), and Wembanyama and Doncic don’t have much room for themselves. Cunningham, who has played in 48 of 54 possible games, could emerge as Gilgeous-Alexander’s biggest competition.
It’s important to note that these votes were tallied before the Detroit Pistons cornerstone rolled into Madison Square Garden and torched the New York Knicks for 42 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and two blocks. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to recover from his injury, Cade Cunningham has the perfect opportunity to delight voters with his superbly versatile skill set. He is also leading the team that currently has the best record in the NBA.
The Thunder and Pistons face off next Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, but based on the latest updates, OKC could be without their top man for that potential MVP showcase. Cunningham can still dominate and find grace, which he will need a lot of if there is to be any suspense around this awards race.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 55.4 percent from the field (career high) and 39.0 percent from 3-point range. The three-time All-NBA First-Team selection is truly in the midst of a stellar performance, and his trophy collection reflects as much. Assuming he can return to action soon, Gilgeous-Alexander may need to make room for more hardware.
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