The 2025-26 NBA MVP race is heating up, and while there are plenty of contenders making waves, the latest ESPN straw poll suggests Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the frontrunner. The 27-year-old guard has captured the attention of a panel of 100 media members, who have overwhelmingly backed him with 78 first-place votes. This puts him ahead of Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, and others, setting the stage for a potential back-to-back MVP win-something we've only seen six times since 2006.
Back in December, the race was much tighter, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic neck-and-neck. Luka Doncic was also in the mix, but an injury setback has seen him slip to fifth. The Lakers' position in the standings might be influencing the dynamics as well.
The Thunder have been a force in the West, holding onto the top spot all season. Gilgeous-Alexander has been pivotal to their success, anchoring a team many believe could repeat as champions.
His durability has been key, missing just seven games despite dealing with an abdominal strain. Meanwhile, Jokic is on the edge of the league's 65-game requirement, and Wembanyama and Doncic are in similar situations.
Cade Cunningham, having played 48 of 54 games, might be Gilgeous-Alexander's closest challenger.
Cunningham recently lit up Madison Square Garden with a stellar 42-point performance against the Knicks, showcasing his versatility. With Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, Cunningham has a golden opportunity to sway voters, especially with the Pistons holding the best record in the NBA.
The upcoming Thunder-Pistons clash could have been a marquee MVP showdown, but OKC might be without their star. Cunningham will need to continue his dominant play to keep the MVP conversation alive.
Gilgeous-Alexander's stats are nothing short of impressive, averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, with career-high shooting percentages. As he eyes a return, there might be more accolades coming his way, further cementing his status as one of the league's elite.