Photo: Denver Nuggets/Twitter

On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN analysts Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon broke down the results of ESPN’s inaugural 2024-25 NBA MVP straw poll.

This snapshot of the current MVP race highlights the top contenders as the season unfolds, with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets leading the pack. Following closely behind are Oklahoma City Thunder’s rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Milwaukee Bucks’ powerhouse Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Jokic has firmly established himself as one of his generation’s most dominant and versatile players. Having won three of the last four MVP awards, he continues to impress with his brilliance. This season, Jokic has elevated his game even further, averaging a career-high 31.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

His efficiency is equally remarkable, as he’s shooting a career-best 50% from three-point range while maintaining his usual dominance in the paint. Jokic’s ability to orchestrate the offense, score at will, and control the boards has kept the Denver Nuggets among the league’s elite teams.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, on the other hand, is making a strong case for MVP consideration as he leads the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference. At just 25 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the league’s premier two-way players.

He’s averaging an impressive 30.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. His scoring prowess, coupled with his defensive intensity and leadership, has been instrumental in Oklahoma City’s resurgence as a top contender in the West.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to solidify his legacy as one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball. Fresh off leading the Milwaukee Bucks to victory in the NBA Cup championship, Antetokounmpo has captured the attention of voters with his incredible performances this season.

He’s averaging a league-best 32.7 points per game, a career-high, along with 11.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks. The Bucks’ success and Giannis’ ability to dominate on both ends of the floor have made him a key figure in the MVP conversation.

The straw poll also shed light on other standout performers. Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics landed in fourth place with 267 points, showcasing his consistency and leadership for one of the league’s top teams.

Luka Doncic, the dynamic playmaker for the Dallas Mavericks, rounded out the top five with 123 points, continuing to dazzle with his scoring and playmaking abilities.

Other notable players in the MVP discussion include Donovan Mitchell, who has kept the Cleveland Cavaliers competitive with his scoring and defensive efforts, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been a critical component of the New York Knicks offensive end this season.

Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, and Stephen Curry also earned points in the poll, highlighting their contributions to their respective teams.

NBA Straw Poll Rankings

  1. Nikola Jokic: 827 points
  2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 678 points
  3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 643 points
  4. Jayson Tatum: 267 points
  5. Luka Doncic: 123 points
  6. Donovan Mitchell: 30 points
  7. Karl-Anthony Towns: 14 points
  8. Kevin Durant: 7 points
  9. Jalen Brunson: 5 points
  10. Stephen Curry: 2 points