The NBA MVP ladder as of January 25, 2026, showcases the league’s top performers as they jockey for the season’s most prestigious individual award. While the top four spots remain steady with Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama holding their positions, notable movement occurred further down the list. Tyrese Maxey has surged from eighth to fifth, reflecting his breakout season, while players like Jaylen Brown and Cade Cunningham slipped slightly despite strong performances.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
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Season stats: ~32 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists per game
Gilgeous-Alexander continues to hold the top spot on the MVP ladder through sustained, elite scoring and leadership for the Thunder. He has multiple 40-point games this season and is pacing OKC near the top of the Western Conference. His scoring consistency combined with improved team performance make him the clear MVP frontrunner at this stage. Gilgeous-Alexander’s deep offensive arsenal and strong January play have kept voters’ attention locked in.
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2. Nikola Jokić – Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks on before a game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
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Season stats: ~29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 11 assists per game
Jokić remains entrenched near the top of MVP discussions despite dealing with a hyperextended knee and questions about his eligibility under the minimum games rule. His averages hover around a triple-double, continuing his historic run of all-around play. Even with some missed time, he’s widely regarded as one of the best players in the league and can climb back further if he stays healthy. The Nuggets’ success and Jokić’s unique impact make him a perennial MVP candidate.
3. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) walks off the court after the Lakers win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
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Season stats: ~33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists per game
Dončić remains among the elite scorers in the league and continues to influence the MVP race with his high usage and statistical output. He leads the league in scoring and contributes significantly in rebound and assist categories, showcasing his all-around offensive value. Health and games-played eligibility remain central to how his MVP case is perceived. Still, his performance level this season has been among the most dominant in the NBA.
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4. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
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Season stats: ~24.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks per game
Wembanyama continues to make a case as one of the most impactful two-way players in the league, anchoring the Spurs’ frontcourt with elite shot-blocking and versatile scoring. After a minor injury slowed him earlier in the season, he’s regained rhythm and remains a defensive force. His length and skill set put consistent pressure on opponents, and he’s showing developmental strides on offense. Wembanyama’s presence in the Top 5 speaks to his all-around influence.
5. Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 8
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Season stats: ~30 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists per game
Maxey’s surge up the ladder reflects a breakout MVP-caliber season in which he has controlled the 76ers’ offense while Joel Embiid recovers from injury. He’s among the league’s top scorers and second in total steals, illustrating his two-way impact. His handle on pressure situations and increased playmaking responsibilities underscore his maturation as a lead guard. Maxey’s All-Star nod and statistical rise have made him a legitimate MVP voice in the conversation.
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6. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
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Brown remains a key contributor for Boston with strong scoring and two-way play, even as his ranking slips slightly. His combination of scoring efficiency and defensive effort helps anchor the Celtics’ frontline in a competitive Eastern Conference. Brown’s consistency remains valuable to MVP voters, though team success often weighs in comparisons. His presence in the Top 10 reflects sustained high-level play.
7. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) defends against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 6
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Cunningham continues to demonstrate his dual-threat ability as a scorer and primary facilitator for Detroit. While the Pistons’ overall record limits his MVP positioning, his individual performances show growth and leadership. His vision and scoring versatility remain focal to Detroit’s developmental trajectory. Even with a slight slide, Cunningham’s role in the MVP conversation reflects respect for his production.
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8. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) dribbles the ball against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at Target Center. Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 7
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Edwards’ elite scoring talent keeps him in MVP consideration, despite a modest drop in the weekly rankings. He has been one of the more consistent offensive forces in the league, regularly posting high point totals. The Timberwolves’ performance and Edwards’ efficiency trends are central to how his MVP case is viewed. While not cracking the Top 5, he remains a notable contender.
9. Alperen Şengün – Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: Not ranked
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Şengün’s rise reflects strong all-around play as Houston’s primary offensive hub and rebounder. His versatility as a big man extends to scoring, facilitating, and rim protection. This broader impact has elevated his MVP profile, particularly in a rising Rockets core. Şengün’s ranking climb marks him as a player generating increased recognition.
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10. Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on before a game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Last week’s ranking: No. 10
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Murray rounds out the Top 10 with steady playmaking and scoring for the Nuggets. His performance helps sustain Denver’s competitiveness in Jokić’s absence. Murray’s ability to carry offensive responsibilities alongside supporting cast contributions keeps him in MVP discourse. His consistency has him maintaining a spot among the league’s most valuable players.
Conclusion
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reaches for a loose ball during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
This week’s ladder underscores both consistency at the top and exciting shifts in the chase for MVP recognition. Emerging stars like Maxey and Şengün are making their mark, while established stars maintain their hold through elite play. As the season progresses, these movements hint at a dynamic race where individual excellence and team success will continue to shape the conversation.
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