Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has claimed the top spot in ESPN’s early MVP voting, according to a poll conducted by Tim Bontemps.
Jokic received seven votes, narrowly ahead of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who collected five. Luka Doncic followed with four votes, while Victor Wembanyama earned two. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards each received one vote.
The Nuggets big man enters the 2025–26 season as a three-time MVP, continuing a dominant stretch that has cemented him as one of the NBA’s all-time elite players.
“[Jokic is] the best player, and they’ll be better,” a Western Conference scout told ESPN, highlighting the confidence in Denver’s championship-caliber roster.
Last season, Jokic averaged career highs in points (29.6), rebounds (12.7), and assists (10.2) while shooting 57.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three-point range.
Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, led the Thunder with 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, building on his 2025 MVP-winning season. His scoring prowess and playmaking continue to make him a top contender in the West.
Doncic’s Dallas stint, which included a midseason trade to the Lakers, saw him average 28.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game, keeping him in the MVP conversation despite the roster upheaval.
Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ young star, posted 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game last season, showing growth in his sophomore campaign while anchoring one of the league’s rebuilding teams.
Antetokounmpo and Edwards remain high-profile options, with Milwaukee’s star forward contributing 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game and Minnesota’s standout wing putting up 27.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per contest.
