KIA MVP Ladder (Feb. 6 Update) — 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2. Luka Dončić, 3. Nikola Jokić, 4. Cade Cunningham, 5. Victor Wembanyama, 6. Jaylen Brown, 7. Donovan Mitchell, 8. Anthony Edwards, 9. Jalen Brunson, 10. Tyrese Maxey
Last week’s ranking: No. 1 ↔️
Season stats: 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists
His case: Gilgeous-Alexander has ranked either first or second on the MVP Ladder for most of the last 15 months and won the award last season. He remains second in the NBA in scoring and the unquestioned leader of the team with the league’s best record.
While an abdominal strain will sideline him through the All-Star break, his body of work remains unmatched. If he captures a second straight MVP, he will further cement his place among the league’s elite.
2. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week’s ranking: No. 2 ↔️
Season stats: 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists
His case: Dončić continues to produce at an elite level and leads the league in scoring. He has scored at least 24 points in 19 consecutive games and remains the engine behind everything the Lakers do offensively.
His ability to control tempo, generate offense for teammates and score from anywhere on the floor keeps him firmly in the MVP chase as the season heads toward the stretch run.
3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 3 ↔️
Season stats: 29.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 10.5 assists
His case: Typical Jokić. He remains among the league leaders in scoring, rebounding and assists while averaging a triple-double. When on the floor, his statistical dominance is unmatched.
After missing time earlier this season, Jokić has returned to on-court workouts and remains a threat to climb higher on the Ladder if availability allows.
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Last week’s ranking: No. 6 ⬆️
Season stats: 25.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists
His case: Cunningham has surged into the Top 5 behind sustained excellence and strong leadership for Detroit. He’s delivered multiple statement performances against top competition and continues to show growth as a scorer and playmaker.
His all-around impact and consistency have pushed him firmly into the MVP conversation.
5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Last week’s ranking: No. 4 ⬇️
Season stats: 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks
His case: After a brief shooting slump, Wembanyama rebounded with dominant two-way performances, including a standout outing with elite scoring, rebounding and rim protection.
He continues to lead the league in blocked shots and remains one of the most impactful defenders in basketball, while showing steady offensive improvement.
The next 5:
6. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics ⬇️
7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers ↔️
8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves ⬆️
9. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks ⬆️
10. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers ⬇️
And five more (listed alphabetically): Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors; Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets; Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks; Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers; Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets