ESPN NBA MVP Straw Poll: Gilgeous-Alexander leads Jokic as Cunningham, Wembanyama chase

20/02/202614:55

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai tops Bontemps’ latest poll with 78 first-place votes to Jokic’s 18, extending a four-straight run as No. 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits atop ESPN’s latest MVP Straw Poll, collecting 930 points and 78 first-place votes ahead of Nikola Jokic (720 points, 18 first-place votes).
Per Tim Bontemps, it’s Shai’s fourth straight poll lead—something that hadn’t happened in the poll’s history.

Jokic remains a clear No. 2, but ESPN’s read is that Victor Wembanyama is the most likely alternative if Shai doesn’t win.
That hinges on Wembanyama’s surge after an early-season injury and the possibility the Spurs could jump OKC for the West’s No. 1 seed.

Only Shai, Jokic, Cade Cunningham and Wembanyama received at least one first-place vote, with Shai the only player on every ballot.
The full list of vote-getters also includes Dončić, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi Leonard, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey and Anthony Edwards.

Source: ESPN (Tim Bontemps)