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NBA: 2026-27 NBA MVP Power Rankings: Top 10 Candidates Entering Opening Night

SportsOct 20, 2026
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The NBA MVP race once again features a mix of established superstars, former winners, and younger players looking to take another major step.

Here are the top 10 candidates for the Michael Jordan Trophy heading into the opening night of the 2026-27 season.

#10 Kawhi Leonard

A full season would give Kawhi Leonard a chance to remind voters how dominant he can be when healthy - Source: ImagnA full season would give Kawhi Leonard a chance to remind voters how dominant he can be when healthy - Source: Imagn
A full season would give Kawhi Leonard a chance to remind voters how dominant he can be when healthy – Source: Imagn

Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto after averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 50.5% shooting with the Clippers last season. He immediately becomes the biggest name on a Raptors team looking to climb back toward the top of the Eastern Conference. If Leonard stays healthy and keeps Toronto among the East’s best teams, he should have a real chance to work his way into the MVP race.

#9 Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards has already established himself as one of the faces of the league - Source: ImagnAnthony Edwards has already established himself as one of the faces of the league - Source: Imagn
Anthony Edwards has already established himself as one of the faces of the league – Source: Imagn

Anthony Edwards produced another huge season for Minnesota, averaging 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting nearly 40% from three. LaMelo Ball’s arrival could make his life easier by giving Minnesota another elite creator who can shoulder most of the playmaking load. If Edwards improves his scoring while the Timberwolves remain among the West’s best teams, his MVP case could be strong.

#8 Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham was selected to the All-NBA First Team last season - Source: ImagnCade Cunningham was selected to the All-NBA First Team last season - Source: Imagn
Cade Cunningham was selected to the All-NBA First Team last season – Source: Imagn

Cade Cunningham averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds last season while continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s best young point guards. Another statistical jump in scoring and playmaking, combined with the Pistons becoming a legitimate Eastern Conference contender, could put Cunningham firmly in the MVP discussion.

#7 Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has consistently been one of the most consistent high-volume scorers throughout his career - Source: ImagnDonovan Mitchell has consistently been one of the most consistent high-volume scorers throughout his career - Source: Imagn
Donovan Mitchell has consistently been one of the most consistent high-volume scorers throughout his career – Source: Imagn

Donovan Mitchell averaged 27.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last season while remaining Cleveland’s primary offensive weapon. At this stage of his career, the next step is turning that individual production into even greater team success and pushing the Cavaliers toward a top-three finish in the East. If Mitchell can approach 30 points per game while leading Cleveland to one of the conference’s best records, he could build a legitimate MVP case.

#6 Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson has proven to be one of the league’s best clutch scorers - Source: ImagnJalen Brunson has proven to be one of the league’s best clutch scorers - Source: Imagn
Jalen Brunson has proven to be one of the league’s best clutch scorers – Source: Imagn

Jalen Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists last season while leading New York to an NBA championship. After proving he can be the primary scorer and closer on a title-winning team, the next challenge is helping the Knicks finish at the top of the Eastern Conference. If Brunson maintains his production while leading New York to one of the league’s best records, he could add a first MVP to his resume.

#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo boasts a resume that includes two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy - Source: ImagnGiannis Antetokounmpo boasts a resume that includes two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy - Source: Imagn
Giannis Antetokounmpo boasts a resume that includes two MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy – Source: Imagn

Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to 36 games last season but still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4% from the field. His move to Miami puts him alongside Bam Adebayo, which could ease some of the defensive burden. With more energy available for the offensive end, Giannis could see his scoring rise and strengthen his case for another MVP award.

#4 Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic aims to become only the sixth player in history to win four or more MVPs - Source: ImagnNikola Jokic aims to become only the sixth player in history to win four or more MVPs - Source: Imagn
Nikola Jokic aims to become only the sixth player in history to win four or more MVPs – Source: Imagn

Nikola Jokic averaged a triple-double last season, putting up 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists while shooting 56.9% from the field. Denver continues to run almost everything through him, and few players in the league have a greater influence on every possession. Another season around those numbers would keep Jokic near the top of the race regardless of voter fatigue.

#3 Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic has averaged 29.2 points per game over his eight-year career - Source: ImagnLuka Doncic has averaged 29.2 points per game over his eight-year career - Source: Imagn
Luka Doncic has averaged 29.2 points per game over his eight-year career – Source: Imagn

Luka Doncic put together another jaw-dropping offensive season, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds for the Lakers last campaign. With LeBron James now gone, LA is unquestionably Doncic’s team, which should only increase his offensive responsibility and opportunities to produce huge numbers. If the Lakers finish top 4 in the West, he could finally break through and win his first MVP.

#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the best isolation scorers - Source: ImagnShai Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the best isolation scorers - Source: Imagn
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the best isolation scorers – Source: Imagn

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the season looking for a third straight MVP after averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds on 55.3% shooting last year. Oklahoma City remains built around him, but the continued improvement of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace should make the Thunder even harder to stop.

Another 30-point season, combined with one of the league’s best records, could make SGA only the fourth player in league history to win three consecutive MVP awards.

#1 Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama could become the 15th center in history to win the MVP award - Source: ImagnVictor Wembanyama could become the 15th center in history to win the MVP award - Source: Imagn
Victor Wembanyama could become the 15th center in history to win the MVP award – Source: Imagn

Victor Wembanyama already finished third in MVP voting last season after averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game. He also won Defensive Player of the Year, showing just how dominant he already is on both ends at only 22.

What strengthens his MVP case even more is the expected growth around him. Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell should all be better, which could push San Antonio to the top of the Western Conference.