Bold take: the Kia MVP ladder is not just a ranking—it’s a between-the-lines story about who can stay healthy, stay dominant, and steal the spotlight when the odds are stacked against them. Here’s a refreshed, beginner-friendly version that preserves every key point and angles for a deeper read. And yes, we’ll push a few ideas that could spark discussion.
Jaylen Brown jumps into the spotlight with a thunderous 42-point performance against the Knicks, proving that health and momentum can rewrite narratives overnight. The MVP chase, much like society, feels split between the haves and the have-nots: the obvious frontrunners and everyone left fighting for a meaningful perch behind them.
The obvious trio remains at the center of the conversation: Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Dončić. They’ve established themselves as the top contenders, the familiar anchors of the race, and the players most pundits would trust to carry a season-long charge. If nothing unusual happens between now and April, the MVP will likely land in their hands.
But the real intrigue lies in who completes the top five on the ladder. The discussion has grown louder since early in the season, especially because injuries have sidelined several other strong candidates who’d otherwise be in the mix.
What should we do about Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama on this weekly ladder? The honest answer: we wait to see them healthy and available. The old sports maxim—the best ability is availability—hits especially hard in a league where even extraordinary talent loses its shine when it sits on the bench. In today’s NBA, players can be towering stars, but MVP candidates still must show up, suit up, and deliver.
It’s not personal; it’s the reality of a league that moves quickly and hands out big-award momentum to those who play. When stars miss time, others seize the moment and climb the ladder by taking advantage of healthier, capable peers.
This week’s top five features Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown, two Eastern Conference standouts making notable climbs. The season remains long, so there’s ample room for new names to surge into the mix—or for Antetokounmpo and Wembanyama to reclaim traction once they’re back.
That ongoing suspense is what makes the ladder compelling. The gap between the top trio and everyone else is real, and the drama compounds as narratives shift in real time.
Framing the week: will the Pistons’ strong Eastern perch wobble when they face the Celtics in Boston on Monday? Detroit currently leads the East, but Boston is surging and could loom large in the standings. That matchup, along with Boston’s recent form, makes Brown versus Cunningham one of the season’s most meaningful early-season duels in the East, aside from the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals (the Emirates Cup run continues this weekend).
Stat to watch: Anthony Edwards continues to percolate. He’s hit at least 30 points in seven of his last ten games and has produced five 40-point games this season for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What people are saying: LeBron James highlighted Austin Reaves’s breakout by calling him “one of the guys” who has earned a bigger role and respect—Reaves sits at No. 7 on the ladder, underscoring that growth from within the Lakers.
1) Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week: No. 1
Season averages: 29.5 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 10.9 APG
Why he’s here: Jokić sits in the top-five in scoring while leading in rebounds and assists, effectively posting a near-triple-double on admire-worthy shooting efficiency (61.2%). He’s the steady heartbeat of a Nuggets run that shows no sign of slowing. His 40-point burst against Atlanta last Friday showcased his ability to rise to the moment when the team needs him most.
2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week: No. 2
Season averages: 32.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.4 APG
Why he’s here: Gilgeous-Alexander continues to glide through defenses with ease as OKC cruises through the schedule. His 28-point, 27-minute outburst against Phoenix hints at an almost unfair efficiency. With the Emirates Cup in play and past final appearances fueling his drive, he’s positioned to chase the title with renewed urgency.
3) Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week: No. 3
Season averages: 35.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 9.1 APG
Why he’s here: Dončić leads the league in scoring while ranking high in assists and delivering constant nightly impact. He has reached 30+ points in eight straight games, keeping the Lakers in solid playoff contention. A few rough shooting nights from deep and some ball-handling miscues are the only blemishes on an otherwise elite start to the season.
4) Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Last week: No. 4
Season averages: 27.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 9.3 APG
Why he’s here: Cunningham has been a steady engine for a Pistons squad expected to stay near the top of the East through Christmas. He’s among the league leaders in assists per game and has delivered strong performances in key wins, showing he can raise those around him. His recent stretch—nearly 29 points and 9 assists in a win over Portland, followed by 23–12 against Milwaukee—cements his MVP candidacy as long as Detroit keeps thriving.
5) Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Last week: No. 10 ⬆️
Season averages: 29.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.8 APG
Why he’s here: Brown has rocketed up the ladder, climbing five spots—the biggest leap of the week. He’s on pace for a career-high scoring season and has been carrying a substantial portion of the scoring load for Boston, effectively stepping into a larger leadership role as Jayson Tatum navigates various responsibilities. Over six games, he’s averaging about 32 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 6.3 APG, helping the Celtics win seven of nine.
The next five (in order):
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks ⬆️
- Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers ⬆️
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers ⬇️
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves ⬆️
- Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets ⬇️
Alphabetical next five: Giannis Antetokounmpo; Jalen Johnson; Jamal Murray; Karl-Anthony Towns; Victor Wembanyama.
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can reach him at spowell@nba.com, browse his archives, or follow him on X.
