2025 NBA MVP: Who’s Really in the Running?
2025 NBA MVP: Who’s Really in the Running?
The NBA’s Most Valuable Player award has long been dominated by familiar names, and repeat winners are somewhat common. In fact, Nikola Jokic’s 2022 victory marked the 13th instance of a player capturing the MVP title two or more years in a row. Generally, MVPs come from the top teams. Since 1985, only five MVP winners have come from teams that didn’t finish first or second in their conference.
Another critical factor is experience. The MVP rarely goes to a rookie, with the last being Wes Unseld in 1969. Historically, the award is given to players who have had time to refine their game, with only four winners ever being younger than 23.
Despite a lengthy drought for big men between Shaquille O’Neal’s 2000 win and Jokic’s 2021 triumph, centers have reasserted themselves. The last four MVPs have all been centers, a position that has once again become a focal point in the league’s evolving style of play.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has already etched his name in NBA history by winning three MVPs, and there’s little reason to believe he can’t add a fourth to his resume in 2025. After all, Jokic’s game is about efficiency and versatility, which continue to evolve. Leading the Denver Nuggets to success through his scoring, playmaking, and rebounding, Jokic operates as the team’s engine, dictating the flow of their offense in a way that few players can replicate.
His MVP odds, hovering around +350, reflect his recent success and the belief that he will continue to dominate. Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists last season, making him a nightly triple-double threat. History suggests that the MVP typically comes from one of the top teams in the league, and Jokic’s Denver Nuggets are certainly in that category. Should the Nuggets exceed 50 wins and Jokic maintain his monstrous stat lines, he will be difficult to ignore in this year's MVP race.
However, for betting fans who prefer to avoid the safest bets like Jokic, alternative ways exist to spice up their betting experience. Checking out lotteries could offer a different thrill, and those interested can use the latest MI lottery promo code to maximize their chances.
Luka Doncic
If anyone can wrestle the MVP trophy away from Jokic, it’s Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks’ superstar has been knocking on the door for years, and 2025 might finally be his moment. With preseason MVP odds nearly identical to Jokic’s at +370, Doncic is expected to be a serious contender.
Last season, Doncic led the league in scoring with 33.9 points per game, and despite the Mavericks’ midseason struggles, he still pushed his team to the NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to MVP contention has been one of the league’s more understated stories. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard finished second in MVP voting last season, and with odds sitting at +600, he’s expected to be in the mix again. SGA’s game is marked by its efficiency; he averaged 30.1 points last season on 53.5% shooting, an impressive feat for a guard. Beyond scoring, his ability to influence games on both ends of the floor sets him apart from other MVP candidates.
The Thunder’s surprise rise to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last seasonhighlights team success that could bolster Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case. If Oklahoma City continues to build on that success, with SGA leading the charge, his MVP candidacy will be impossible to ignore.
With his all-around impact, from scoring to defense, Gilgeous-Alexander represents the new breed of NBA stars, and 2025 could be the year he takes the next step.
Rising Stars and Rookie Sensations
While the MVP race is dominated by established names, there’s always room for a breakout star. One such player to watch is Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated rookie for the New Orleans Pelicans. Wembanyama’s unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill has many predicting he’ll have a historic rookie campaign. As outlined in the article, his debut season could potentially rank among the greatest ever seen, and although rookies rarely win MVP, Wembanyama might challenge that trend if he can live up to the hyp
Summary
In the race for the 2025 NBA MVP, familiar names like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are leading the conversation. Each player brings a unique style and skill set, making this year’s competition as exciting as ever. Whether it's Jokic's all-around brilliance, Doncic’s scoring dominance, or SGA’s rise to prominence, the battle for MVP will determine who can lead their team to success while maintaining exceptional individual performances.