The NBA MVP award has become one of the most hotly contested honors in all of sports. The lengthy 82-game regular season permits ample time for various narratives to develop, causing candidates’ standings to fluctuate significantly. As we approach the 2024-2025 NBA season, several trends regarding MVP contenders are becoming evident.
Notably, the last six MVP recipients have hailed from outside the United States. The last MVP winner to be part of a championship team was Stephen Curry back in 2015 with the Golden State Warriors. It’s easy to overlook that this award is meant for the regular season, yet playoff storylines from the preceding year tend to have an impact.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 NBA MVP race stems from there being no clear frontrunner as the new season begins. The player who ultimately ascends to the top must lead their team to significant success, post impressive stats, and, crucially, maintain their health throughout the season. Here are the top contenders for the MVP award as we enter this new chapter.
Long Shots for the 2025 NBA MVP
9. Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns: Last season, Booker posted notable statistics — averaging 27.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, along with an impressive true shooting percentage of 61.1. While these numbers would typically place him in the MVP conversation, he unfortunately received no top-5 votes, primarily due to the Suns finishing sixth in the Western Conference. Following a first-round sweep by Minnesota, the Suns acquired veteran point guard Tyus Jones, which should enhance Booker’s scoring opportunities. Moreover, Booker gained valuable experience by playing a key role in Team USA’s gold medal victory at the 2024 Olympics, where he demonstrated a more versatile skill set and improved defensive effort. If he can sustain this momentum, the Suns may find greater success this season, potentially positioning Booker as a serious MVP contender.
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8. Ja Morant, G, Memphis Grizzlies: The last time we witnessed Ja Morant play a complete season, he was instrumental in establishing the Grizzlies as a formidable force in the Western Conference. Memphis achieved a remarkable No. 2 seed in the West during both 2022 and 2023. However, a series of unfortunate events—most notably Morant’s extended suspension followed by a season-ending injury—resulted in the team landing in the lottery last season. With Morant back in the lineup, the Grizzlies present a slightly altered look this year, but there’s no disputing that he remains their key player. Now at 25 years of age, Morant has every chance to showcase his skills as one of the league’s premier scorers and playmakers, provided he can demonstrate the necessary maturity and durability to stay on the court. If the Grizzlies can reclaim their position as an elite regular season team,
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Morant is destined to be part of the MVP discussions.
Should they secure the No. 1 seed …
7. Jalen Brunson, G, New York Knicks: Each year of his NBA career, Brunson has shown significant improvement, and if this trend persists into his seventh season, he could legitimately find himself in the MVP conversation. He finished fifth in last season’s MVP voting after averaging 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game while logging heavy minutes for the Knicks. With the addition of Mikal Bridges and a full season of OG Anunoby, New York is poised to perform even better this year. Nonetheless, the responsibility for creating opportunities will largely fall on Brunson. Tom Thibodeau’s philosophy of treating every game as if it were a Game 7 will only bolster Brunson’s MVP candidacy. It’s easy to visualize a scenario where the team approaches 60 wins, Brunson is instrumental in generating every scoring chance, and he establishes a compelling case for the MVP award.
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6. Anthony Edwards, G, Minnesota Timberwolves: Although the Timberwolves boast a formidable team, it is undeniable that Edwards emerged as their leader last season. At just 23 years old, he is a strong MVP candidate for the future, exhibiting explosive athleticism and remarkable ability to make tough shots. There remains ample opportunity for him to enhance his game in more nuanced aspects—beginning with boosting the offensive efficiency of the Wolves in halfcourt situations. Nevertheless, he is poised to deliver the eye-catching performances that drive MVP campaigns. The Timberwolves are not likely to go unnoticed this year, and Edwards appears fully prepared for the challenge that comes with being in the spotlight.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis seems somewhat underrated as the season approaches, particularly after enduring injury setbacks that kept him out of the playoffs for the past two years. When he performs at his peak, Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly among the top two or three players globally, making him an exceptional two-way force in the league. His evolution as a playmaker—averaging a career-high of 6.5 assists per game last year—affords him additional tactics to dissect opposing defenses. Furthermore, he remains a formidable threat when he“`html
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4. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers: Last year, Embiid appeared ready to claim his second consecutive MVP before a knee injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season’s latter half. With a revamped and enhanced supporting cast that includes newly signed Paul George, Embiid should feel less compelled to carry the Sixers single-handedly alongside elite teammates George and Tyrese Maxey. This shift could have a negative impact on his MVP candidacy, but that is perfectly acceptable: for Embiid, postseason success is paramount, although he is still likely to post impressive statistics if he can remain healthy during the regular season.
3. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets: It is widely considered that Jokic holds the title of the best player in the world at this point. This season, he will have to step up more than ever to maintain the Nuggets’ dominance in the Western Conference following the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the team’s shift towards younger players. Approaching his 30th birthday in February, Jokic is still in his physical peak and is expected to continue his remarkable durability, exceptional all-around performance, and capacity to drive team success. Having already secured three MVP awards and faced an unexpected early playoff exit last season, will voters be inclined to award him a fourth trophy, placing him among only five players in league history to do so? Despite Jokic’s extraordinary abilities, be prepared for the possibility that voters may lean toward a new candidate, even if he continues to perform at an elite level.
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2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Oklahoma City Thunder: The case for SGA as MVP is already clear: the Thunder are strong contenders for the top seed in the West, and he will be leading the charge, ripe for putting up impressive stats. Gilgeous-Alexander finished as the runner-up for MVP last season, showcasing an extraordinary blend of scoring, playmaking, and efficiency while also tying for the league lead in steals. As his young teammates continue to grow, and with the improvement of his supporting cast due to the additions of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, the Thunder are serious championship contenders, making Gilgeous-Alexander a top MVP candidate.
1. Luka Doncic, G, Dallas Mavericks: Doncic operates like a one-man army when it comes to creating efficient offense. His size, skill, and crafty play make him virtually unguardable against any single defender or defensive strategy. Coming off a Finals run where he overcame every Western Conference opponent while not at full health, he now has enhanced shooting options this year with the arrival of Klay Thompson. The primary concern regarding Doncic’s MVP prospects is whether he will be in elite physical condition as the season begins or if he will need a couple of months to regain his top form before the playoffs kick in. Luka appears destined to secure at least one MVP title before his career ends, and this year could be the one.
5 big names who didn’t make the cut
LeBron James and Stephen Curry continue to display the ability to perform at the highest level on any given night, yet it’s challenging to envision them maintaining that performance consistently throughout an 82-game season at this stage of their careers. Anthony Davis, despite playing 76 games last season, lacks the durability commonly associated with MVP candidates, and even if he manages to stay healthy, the Lakers are unlikely to secure a top conference finish. Victor Wembanyama is poised to claim an MVP award soon, but that moment has not yet arrived. Jayson Tatum fits the “best player on the best team” MVP narrative perfectly, yet it often seems he does not receive the full recognition for Boston’s success due to the talent surrounding him.
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2024-2025 NBA MVP Race: Top Contenders and Long Shots
Understanding the MVP Award
The NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is one of the most prestigious honors in professional basketball. Awarded annually since the 1955-56 season, it recognizes the player deemed the most valuable to their team during the regular season. Factors influencing MVP candidacy include individual performance, team success, and overall impact on the game.
Top Contenders for the 2024-2025 MVP Award
1. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
Nikola Jokić, the reigning two-time MVP, is a primary contender for the 2024-2025 season. Known for his exceptional passing ability and scoring efficiency, Jokić’s unique skill set allows him to impact games in multiple ways. Last season, he averaged:
- Points: 24.5
- Rebounds: 11.8
- Assists: 9.8
If the Nuggets continue their success from the previous seasons, Jokić will be in the conversation again.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 2021 MVP, remains a perennial contender. His ability to dominate in the paint and improve his perimeter shooting makes him a dual threat. His 2023-2024 stats were impressive, featuring:
- Points: 30.1
- Rebounds: 11.0
- Assists: 5.6
With the Bucks aiming for another championship, Giannis’s performance will be crucial.
3. Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
Luka Dončić continues to rise as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. With a unique blend of size, skill, and court vision, Dončić is capable of putting up jaw-dropping numbers. Last season, he recorded:
- Points: 28.4
- Rebounds: 9.1
- Assists: 8.7
Dončić’s potential to carry the Mavericks could make him a strong MVP candidate.
4. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Joel Embiid’s dominance on both ends of the court makes him a serious contender. He has consistently put up high stats, and his impact on defense is significant. In the 2023-2024 season, Embiid averaged:
- Points: 33.0
- Rebounds: 10.2
- Blocks: 1.7
If he can stay healthy, Embiid could reclaim the MVP title.
5. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
Kevin Durant is always a threat when healthy. His scoring ability is among the best in the league, and with the Suns’ talented roster, he has the opportunity to shine. Last season, Durant’s averages were:
- Points: 29.0
- Rebounds: 6.7
- Assists: 5.0
Durant’s experience and playoff pedigree position him as a key player this season.
Potential Long Shots
1. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Anthony Edwards has emerged as a young star in the league. His scoring ability and defensive potential could elevate him into MVP discussions. During the last season, he averaged:
- Points: 24.6
- Rebounds: 5.8
- Assists: 4.4
If he takes a significant leap this season, Edwards could surprise many.
2. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Ja Morant’s explosive style of play keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Despite some off-court issues, his talent is undeniable. Last season, he put up the following numbers:
- Points: 26.2
- Rebounds: 5.7
- Assists: 8.1
If he can maintain consistency, Morant might become an MVP dark horse.
3. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Jayson Tatum has solidified himself as a top player in the league. With the Celtics looking to compete, Tatum’s individual performance will be pivotal. His recent averages include:
- Points: 28.0
- Rebounds: 7.3
- Assists: 4.5
Tatum’s ability to perform in pressure situations may give him an edge in the MVP race.
4. Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
Now with the Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard adds a new dynamic to his game. His long-range shooting and playmaking will be crucial for the Bucks’ success. Lillard’s last season stats were:
- Points: 32.2
- Rebounds: 4.8
- Assists: 7.3
If he meshes well with Giannis, Lillard’s candidacy could rise significantly.
Factors Influencing the MVP Race
Several factors could play a crucial role in determining the MVP for the 2024-2025 NBA season:
- Team Performance: Players on playoff-bound teams often get more MVP consideration.
- Statistical Achievements: High scoring averages, assists, and rebounds are crucial metrics.
- Impact on Games: Players who can change the outcome of games through clutch performances are often favored.
- Injury Status: Staying healthy throughout the season is vital for MVP candidates.
Historical Context
Understanding the MVP race also involves looking at past winners and trends. For instance, players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and more recently, Jokić and Antetokounmpo have set high standards. Observing how current players match up against these legends can provide insight into their potential MVP candidacies.
Conclusion: The Race to Watch
The 2024-2025 NBA MVP race promises to be thrilling, with multiple players showing the potential to take home the trophy. Keep an eye on the performances of these top contenders and long shots as the season unfolds. The excitement of the MVP race adds another layer to the overall drama of the NBA season!
| Player | Team | 2023-2024 Averages |
|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets | 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 30.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.6 APG |
| Luka Dončić | Dallas Mavericks | 28.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 8.7 APG |
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 33.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG |
| Kevin Durant | Phoenix Suns | 29.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG |
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