The NBA defined the candidates for the most important prize of the 2025-26 odd season, leaving the top scorer of the course, Luka Doncic, off the list. The league confirmed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama They will compete for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, in a shortlist that brings together different profiles but with a decisive impact on their teams.
The Canadian Gilgeous-Alexander arrives with solid support after leading Oklahoma City Speak to the best record in the league, with 64 wins and 18 losses. His offensive performance has been constant, with an average of 31.1 points per game and an effectiveness of 55.3%figures that support his candidacy after having won the award in the previous season.
For its part, Jokic is back in the conversation after signing another high-level campaign with the Denver Nuggets. The Serbian center, winner of the MVP three times, recorded an average of triple-double with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists, establishing himself as a central piece in the functioning of his team.
The third name is that of the French Victor Wembanyama, who continues to stand out in the San Antonio Spurs. In addition to contributing 25 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, led the league in blocks with 3.1 per game, which also places him among the candidates for the Defender of the Year award.
A Mexican among the nominations of the season
The NBA also announced the finalists in the different individual categories. In the race for the prize Rookie of the Year includes Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets, and VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the defensive section, Wembanyama appears again as a contender, accompanied by Chet Holmgren, of Oklahoma City Speak, and Ausar Thompson, of Detroit Pistons.
The recognition of the best player in decisive moments, known as ‘Seize’, will have as candidates Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray and Anthony Edwards. Meanwhile, The Sixth Man award will be contested between Jaime Jáquez Jr., Keldon Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr.
In another category, the Most Improved Player, the nominees are Jalen Duren, Deni Avdija and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Finally, the Coach of the Year award will have as contenders: Joe Mazzula, Mitch Johnson and JB Bickerstaff.
The definition of these awards will mark the closing of the odd phase and will give way to the recognition of the most outstanding protagonists of the season.
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