THE three finalists for the 2026 NBA Most Valuable Player have been revealed.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the frontrunner to win the award.
The other two finalists have been confirmed to be Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
Here are the five top candidates who shaped 2026 MVP conversations, ranked by their final standing and impact.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
The reigning MVP cemented his status as the league’s premier guard with a season that blended scoring efficiency, defensive excellence and leadership.
Shai averaged around 31 points, 6.6 assists and strong defensive metrics whilst guiding the Thunder to the top seed in a loaded Western Conference.
His ability to dominate both ends, combined with Oklahoma City’s team success, made him the clear choice for many voters.
Analysts praised his evolution into a true superstar who elevates teammates without forcing shots. If he wins, SGA would join a select group of guards who claimed back-to-back MVPs.
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic’s basketball IQ, passing vision and efficiency continue to set him apart.
The three-time MVP remained a statistical marvel, posting another triple-double heavy season while carrying Denver through injuries and maintaining contender status. J
Though his team finished slightly behind the Thunder and Spurs in the standings, many voters still viewed him as the most impactful individual player on the floor night after night.
A fourth MVP would place him among the all-time greats in league history.
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
The 22-year-old phenom delivered a breakout campaign that transformed the Spurs into legitimate contenders.
Wembanyama’s unique combination of size, skill and defensive versatility produced eye-popping numbers and altered opposing game plans.
Nicknamed ‘The Alien’, his presence on both ends helped San Antonio secure one of the top seeds in the West.
While some voters hesitated to crown such a young player, Wembanyama’s rapid development and two-way dominance made him a serious finalist and future face of the league.
4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
After joining the Lakers, Doncic put together another high-volume scoring and playmaking season.
His creativity and ability to generate offense in isolation or through pick-and-roll sets kept him in the conversation throughout the year.
However, questions about team success and defensive consistency likely prevented him from climbing higher in the final voting. Still, his individual brilliance ensured he remained a top-five candidate.
5. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Brown enjoyed a strong season as a key piece of the Eastern Conference contenders. His scoring, athleticism and improved playmaking helped the Celtics maintain elite status.
While not always in the daily MVP chatter, consistent production and winning made him a respectable fifth-place finisher in many rankings and player polls.
