The NBA landscape has fundamentally shifted, and nowhere is it more evident than in the MVP race. For years, international titans have held court, but a new American star, Cade Cunningham, is finally making his audacious push in the 2026 NBA MVP Race. His recent surge up the Kia MVP Ladder offers a glimmer of hope for domestic talent.
Key Points from the MVP Ladder:
- Global Domination: International stars currently command four of the top five spots on the MVP Ladder.
- Cunningham's Charge: Cade Cunningham makes a significant leap to #4, challenging the international grip.
- Historic Drought: James Harden (2019) remains the last American-born MVP winner, highlighting a multi-year trend.
- All-Star Reflection: The new NBA All-Star Game format, featuring an international team, directly reflects this global talent surge.
The Global Takeover: International Stars Cement Their MVP Authority
It's been seven long seasons since an American-born player last hoisted the NBA MVP trophy, a stark reminder of the league's evolving global footprint. James Harden's 2019 triumph feels like a distant memory as names from Canada, Slovenia, Serbia, and France now consistently headline the Kia MVP Ladder. This international dominance isn't just a talking point; it's driving fundamental changes, even influencing the revamped All-Star Game format which will now pit an international squad against American teams.
This season's MVP conversation is no different, with a veritable "Team World" holding down the top spots. The depth of international talent, many of whom are just entering their prime, suggests this trend is far from over.
American Hope: Cade Cunningham's Audacious Ascent
Amidst the international surge, a homegrown talent is making waves. Cade Cunningham, the Dallas-born maestro for the Detroit Pistons, has roared into the top five of the MVP Ladder, jumping two spots. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, proving he can go toe-to-toe with the league's elite.
Cunningham delivered a 29-point, 10-assist masterclass in a win over fellow MVP candidates Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. Before that, he outshined Stephen Curry, dropping 29 points against the Golden State Warriors. As Warriors forward Draymond Green passionately put it, "Cade Cunningham is as special of a player as we have in the league today." If Cunningham can continue to elevate the Pistons and potentially challenge for a top seed in the West, his case for MVP will only strengthen.
On the Ladder: Who's Leading the Charge?
Let's dive into the top five contenders currently shaping the NBA MVP Race.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week's ranking: No. 1 ↔️
Season stats: 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a perennial fixture at the top of the MVP Ladder, even winning the award last season. He consistently delivers, ranking second in scoring while shooting an impressive 55.4% from the field. As the undisputed centerpiece of the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, his impact is undeniable. However, an abdominal strain sidelining him until after the All-Star break could open the door for challengers.
2. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
Last week's ranking: No. 2 ↔️
Season stats: 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists
The league's leading scorer, Luka Dončić, continues his relentless assault on defenses. He boasts an incredible streak of 19 consecutive games with at least 24 points. In January alone, he averaged an astounding 34 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists, while shooting 50.6%. Leading the Dallas Mavericks in points, assists, and steals, Dončić is building a compelling argument for his first MVP trophy.
3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week's ranking: No. 3 ↔️
Season stats: 29.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 10.5 assists
"The Joker" has returned from a hyperextended knee with a vengeance, seemingly brushing off any concerns about the 65-game eligibility rule for awards. Nikola Jokić might not be at his absolute pre-injury peak yet, but his form is exceptional. His resilience was on full display, logging 45 minutes in a double-overtime thriller against the Knicks just one night after playing 33 minutes in Detroit. This incredible stamina underscores both the Nuggets' faith in him and his relentless desire to play. He's also second only to Russell Westbrook in career triple-doubles for a center, a truly astounding feat.
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Last week's ranking: No. 6 ⬆️
Season stats: 25.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists
Cade Cunningham has earned his spot among the elite. His recent performances have been nothing short of MVP-caliber, highlighted by dominant showings against the Nuggets and Warriors. Beyond the individual stats, his leadership has the Detroit Pistons making a surprising push. Should the Thunder falter with Gilgeous-Alexander out, Cunningham's ability to elevate his team could be a defining factor in his MVP candidacy.
5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Last week's ranking: No. 4 ⬇️
Season stats: 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks
The French phenomenon, Victor Wembanyama, continues to electrify. After a brief dip, he bounced back with a monstrous performance (25 points, 5 blocks, 4 steals) against Orlando. Even more impressively, he once again gave the top-ranked Thunder trouble, posting 22 points and 14 rebounds. Averaging a mere 29 minutes per game, Wembanyama's per-minute impact is astounding. The Spurs' careful management of his minutes appears to be a shrewd strategy, keeping him fresh for a potentially historic career.
Beyond the Top Five: Other Movers and Shakers
The MVP conversation is deep this season, with many players vying for recognition.
- 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 ⬇️
Jalen Brunson makes a welcome return to the top 10, but faces a grueling schedule leading up to All-Star Weekend, including matchups against Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. This gauntlet will truly test his stamina.
And five more (listed alphabetically): Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets).
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, who would typically be a perennial top-five candidate, finds himself just outside this week's elite. The depth of talent, particularly international talent, makes this one of the most exciting MVP races in recent memory.
