This year, new figures emerge as contenders for MVP, while the current defending champion, Nikola Jokić, seeks to win his fourth trophy. The NBA MVP race has been dominated lately by three names: Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. Each one has won or has been among the first places in the votes, consolidating themselves as the favorites
However, the competition could be changing course. Although Jokić, Antetokounmpo and Embiid remain in the race and could lead the voting again, other players are emerging, threatening the usual trio and promising to bring more excitement to the fight for the award. Here we leave you a list of the 15 main MVP candidates for this season:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
With an impressive streak of six straight seasons in the top five in the MVP race, Giannis continues to be key on both ends of the court. Milwaukee, coming off a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, will look to redeem itself, and its success will likely keep Giannis among the favorites.
2. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Brunson surprised last year and managed to capture attention by receiving 32 MVP votes, establishing himself as a central figure for the Knicks. Although the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns could slightly reduce his scoring average, Brunson will lead a team that hopes to compete for the top of the league.
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
At 36 years old, Curry is still a danger from anywhere on the field, and it is possible that he will end up leading again in three-pointers made. Although the Warriors are going through a transition phase, Curry’s talent remains undeniable. However, they will need the team to add wins if they want to stay in contention.
4. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Considered by many to be the Lakers’ best player, Davis is a true pillar in defense and attack. He has never won the MVP, but if he keeps his rebounding and blocking numbers among the best in the league, coupled with his scoring, he could enter the conversation.
5. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
If Dončić once again leads in points and assists, something he almost missed last season, it will be difficult to ignore him in the MVP race. His talent and the Mavericks’ potential for a breakout season put him in an ideal position to earn the recognition many believe he deserves.
6. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Despite the ups and downs of injuries, Durant remains a dominant force. If the Suns can avoid a season of injuries and Durant keeps his scoring average around 27 points per game, he has the potential to reclaim his place among the best.
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
At just 23 years old, Edwards is on the verge of becoming a superstar. If the Wolves maintain their place at the top of the Western Conference and Edwards leads them in scoring, they could spring a surprise.
8. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
The 2022-23 MVP will once again be a strong contender if he avoids injuries. His dominance in both halves of the field and the possibility that the 76ers finish with a good record guarantee him a strong candidacy for the award.
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Runner-up last season in the voting, Gilgeous-Alexander has reached his peak. With a Thunder on the rise, if he achieves a great record in scoring and assists, he will be among the favorites to win the trophy.
10. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Haliburton is possibly the least expected candidate on this list, but his ability to make his teammates better makes him stand out. If he manages to raise his scoring average, he could surprise more than one in the MVP voting.
11. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Although LeBron already has four MVPs and his last was in 2013, he continues to challenge physical limits. If he has a dominant season and the Lakers achieve a record of 50 wins or more, he could receive votes and become the oldest MVP in history.
12. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
The “Joker”, triple MVP in four years, remains one of the most consistent and effective players in the NBA. If the Nuggets manage to secure a prominent position in the West, Jokić will once again be a strong candidate.
13. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell leads the Cavaliers with scoring numbers and versatility that keep him among the elite. If Cleveland improves its standing in the East, Mitchell could enter the MVP conversation.
14. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Leader in rebounds last season, Sabonis is a pillar for the Kings and, if he continues his dominance on the board and with the team standing out in the West, he could attract votes for the MVP.
15. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Despite his success in the NBA, Tatum has been left out of the fight for MVP on several occasions. If the Celtics have a good year and he keeps up his numbers, this season could be his.
These 15 names promise an intense and open fight in the race for the 2024-25 MVP, and although some faces are familiar, it is possible that new generations will take over on the podium.
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