W hat makes an NBA MVP? For some, the award should go to the best player alive regardless of team performance. To others, MVP has a stronger narrative pull for players who elevate

Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead race for the MVP so far this season. The post Ranking the NBA MVP Candidates Entering 2025 appeared first on Stadium Rant.

Through sheer force of will — and shoulders that would make Atlas blush — Antetokounmpo has made an aging and painfully shallow Bucks team look, at times, world-class. He’s achieved that through his usual stellar defense, especially as a weak side roamer, where his pterodactyl arms continue to bother shots and disrupt passing lanes.

On the radar: Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Jalen Johnson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Ja Morant, Tyler Herro, Trae Young, Jalen Williams, Jimmy Butler, Darius Garland, Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, Damian Lillard, LaMelo Ball, Zach LaVine

Nikola Jokić is the MVP favorite. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander follows him up. Two-time winner Giannis Antetokounmpo is on their tails, as are Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić. Those five made up First Team All-NBA last season. Now, they make up the quintet atop the 2024-25 MVP race.