4/13/26

Jay C. Brandriet

Three weeks ago, the race for NBA MVP looked like a foggy mess of top-heavy performers.

As the season comes to a close, it’s a bit easier to see.

MY 2026 NBA MVP’S

(I’m ignoring the 65-game minimum rule)

#5- JAYLEN BROWN (Boston Celtics)

Jayson Tatum was out for 66 games. Holiday, Porzingis, Horford, and Kornet leave. Simons settles in successfully and is traded. Vucevic starts to get acclimated, then fractured a finger. Tatum comes off a major injury and needs to fit back in. What does Brown do? He has a career year and leads Boston to the second-best record in the East.

#4- LUKA DONCIC (Los Angeles Lakers)

Luka’s legendary run in March set the Lakers up beautifully near seasons end. He led the league in total points in just 64 games (33.5 ppg). He was 3rd in assists and 6th in steals.

When Luka wasn’t arguing with the refs, he found time to score 40 plus points, 16 times.

#3- VICTOR WEMBANYAMA (San Antonio Spurs)

Victor scored 25 points and grabbed 11.5 rebounds in just 29 efficient minutes a game. In a vacuum, he’s coming across as good or better than any defensive player we have ever seen. Wemby is a real time look at the evolution of the pro basketball player.

Wemby is like a hyper competitive alien.

#2- NIKOLA JOKIC (Denver Nuggets)

Imagine a guy leading the association in assists and rebounds. Then picture him being 8th in scoring, 10th in FG%, and 16th in steals. He smoked the analytics. Dudes squad ends up with the 3rd seed, and he likely won’t be the MVP? Having 3 of them already, will make it harder for voters to give Nikola his 4th. Joker’s greatness level has hit the point of “Let me know how it goes in June.”

#1- SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Shai just averaged 31 points on a steamy 55.3% from the field. He put on a clutch clinic and hit 88% of his earned free throws. Where does his “unspectacular” label come from? He’s as smooth as he is polished. Jalen Williams misses 49 contests, and the Thunder lead everyone in wins with 64. This is the classic “best player on the best team” MVP award.

Jay C. Brandriet