In the latest ESPN NBA MVP straw poll, conducted among 100 league insiders, Oklahoma City Thunder`s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintains a strong lead over Denver Nuggets` Nikola Jokic, mirroring the results from mid-February.
This final poll, which has accurately predicted the MVP for the past five seasons, suggests Gilgeous-Alexander is on track to win his first MVP award. He received 77 first-place votes out of 100, in a poll designed to reflect the official league voting process.
How the NBA MVP Straw Poll Works
ESPN surveyed 100 media members, asking them to vote as they would for the official NBA MVP award. This informal poll aims to gauge the current sentiment in the MVP race.
To ensure broad representation, at least two voters were included from each of the 28 NBA markets, along with national and international reporters.
Voters ranked their top five players, and points were awarded based on the NBA`s system:
- 1st place: 10 points
- 2nd place: 7 points
- 3rd place: 5 points
- 4th place: 3 points
- 5th place: 1 point
Gilgeous-Alexander received 931 total points, finishing second on the remaining 23 ballots. Jokic came in second with 769 points. Both players dominated the top two spots, receiving every first and second-place vote – a clean sweep not seen in the previous 19 straw polls since 2016-17.
Their dominance in the voting reflects their on-court performances.
Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to win his first scoring title, averaging 32.9 points per game for the Thunder, who are aiming for a 70-win season. They need to win their remaining games to join the exclusive company of teams with 70 or more wins.
Jokic is chasing history himself, seeking to become only the third player to win four MVPs in five years.
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander`s lead in this poll, Jokic is making a strong MVP case.
Jokic is having a career year with highs in points (29.3), assists (10.2), and 3-point percentage (41.2), while also averaging 12.8 rebounds. He has led the Nuggets to a top seed in the West despite injuries to the roster. Jokic is likely to finish in the top two of MVP voting for the fifth consecutive season, a feat last achieved by Larry Bird in the 1980s.
Two NBA scouts told ESPN they would vote for Jokic, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. One scout praised Jokic for keeping the team competitive despite injuries, while noting the Thunder`s overall strength. Another scout highlighted Jokic`s exceptional statistical performance, comparing it to Wilt Chamberlain.
The media members polled also expressed uncertainty, with some indicating they could still change their minds, especially after Jokic`s recent 60-point triple-double performance.
NBA 2024-25 MVP Straw Poll 3.0
| PLAYER | TEAM | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Total votes | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 77 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | 931 |
| 2. Nikola Jokic | DEN | 23 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | 769 |
| 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo | MIL | 0 | 0 | 53 | 37 | 5 | 95 | 381 |
| 4. Jayson Tatum | BOS | 0 | 0 | 41 | 51 | 5 | 97 | 363 |
| 5. Donovan Mitchell | CLE | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 51 | 63 | 93 |
| 6. LeBron James | LAL | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 13 | 21 |
| 7. Cade Cunningham | DET | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| T-8. Anthony Edwards | MIN | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| T-8. Jalen Brunson | NY | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| 10. Karl-Anthony Towns | NY | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 11. Evan Mobley | CLE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 12. Stephen Curry | GS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 13. Tyrese Haliburton | IND | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 14. James Harden | LAC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Consistent Top Four in MVP Race
The top four MVP candidates have remained consistent throughout the three straw polls this season. Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum have consistently held the top four positions.
Antetokounmpo`s MVP candidacy was questioned mid-season due to a calf injury, but he has now played enough games to qualify for awards consideration. He remains the only player to receive votes in all 19 straw polls conducted over the past nine seasons and has been in the top five in the last 13 polls.
Tatum has also been a consistent contender, usually in the second tier of voting. He`s been around the fourth to sixth position in voting, reflecting his official awards vote finishes.
Mitchell Secures Fifth Place
Donovan Mitchell solidified his fifth-place position in this poll, moving ahead of New York Knicks players. Injuries to Jalen Brunson shifted votes towards Mitchell.
Mitchell`s strong performance has likely secured his first top-five MVP finish. Brunson, previously close to Mitchell in voting, saw his votes decrease due to his absence. Karl-Anthony Towns also dropped in the voting.
Mitchell and the Cavaliers have maintained a leading position in the Eastern Conference, supported by both Mitchell`s play and Evan Mobley`s contributions, who also received MVP votes.
Recognition for Cunningham and LeBron James
Cade Cunningham, despite initial skepticism after receiving a max rookie extension, is now receiving MVP consideration. He`s had a strong season, potentially earning All-Star and All-NBA honors.
Cunningham`s performance has significantly improved the Pistons` record, and he`s also in contention for Most Improved Player. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff is also a Coach of the Year candidate.
LeBron James, at 40 years old, received MVP votes, finishing sixth. This is his highest vote count in four years, reflecting his continued high level of play and the Lakers` improved performance after acquiring Luka Doncic.
