The 2026 NBA MVP Race: A Three-Way Battle
The upcoming 2026 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is shaping up to be a fierce competition among three standout players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama. These three have emerged as the top contenders for the prestigious honor, with their performances throughout the season earning them recognition.
The final list of candidates for all of the league’s end-of-season awards was revealed on April 19 during NBC’s “NBA Showtime” broadcast. The announcement took place before the tip-off of Game 1 of the playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic. While some awards like Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Clutch Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player were announced beforehand, the most significant honors—MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year—were revealed at halftime.
Key Contenders for Major Awards
In addition to being in the running for MVP, Victor Wembanyama is also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made it onto the shortlist for Clutch Player of the Year. These multiple nominations highlight the impact each player has had this season.
Here are the finalists for the NBA’s individual awards:
NBA MVP Finalists
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Rookie of the Year
- VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
- Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
- Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Coach of the Year
- JB Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons
- Mitch Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
- Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
Defensive Player of the Year
- Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Sixth Man of the Year
- Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets
- Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
- Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Clutch Player of the Year
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Most Improved Player
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks
- Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Players Who Missed Out on Awards
Not all star players were eligible for the end-of-season individual awards or All-NBA teams due to not meeting the league’s 65-game requirement. Some notable names include:
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Despite playing only 59 games this season, Anthony Edwards is still eligible for the Clutch Player of the Year award, as that category does not require the 65-game threshold.
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham both fell just short of the 65-game requirement but were granted an Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge exception, making them eligible for awards.
Final Thoughts
As the playoffs approach, the race for the MVP title will likely intensify. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama have all demonstrated exceptional talent and consistency this season, making it difficult to predict who will ultimately claim the honor. Their performances will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the winner of the 2026 NBA MVP award.
