Imagine the thrill of watching a star player not just shine individually, but lift an entire team to victory in a prestigious tournament—now picture that moment defining their shot at basketball's highest honor. That's the electric reality of the Kia MVP Ladder, where Jalen Brunson's heroics in the Emirates NBA Cup have catapulted him forward, sparking debates on what truly makes a player worthy of the Most Valuable Player award.
In a remarkable display of collective effort, the New York Knicks outlasted the San Antonio Spurs in the championship showdown to claim the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup trophy. But here's where it gets controversial: every contender for the Kia MVP faces an unspoken challenge that can either bolster their candidacy or derail it entirely. This burden hinges on a simple yet profound question—how effectively do they elevate their team's standing in the league?
It's a fair expectation, really. After all, the MVP is the pinnacle of individual accolades in the NBA (though some might argue the Finals MVP offers a sweeter taste of triumph), making it the most scrutinized prize out there. For a player to make a compelling case, their resume needs to be rock-solid amid fierce competition. If someone is genuinely indispensable, shouldn't they be guiding their squad toward serious contention?
Yet, this is a murky territory, often clouded by variables beyond a player's control. What if a standout performer is surrounded by teammates who aren't up to par, or dealing with injuries? Or perhaps their team faces a string of bad luck? These factors muddy the waters, and it's why only one player in history—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—secured an MVP despite leading a losing team (back in 1975-76, when the Los Angeles Lakers finished 40-42 and stayed out of the playoffs). And this is the part most people miss: the debate isn't just about stats; it's about navigating a complex ecosystem of team dynamics and external pressures.
When a candidate proves they can drive their team to success, however, it's time to give credit where it's due—and perhaps nudge them up the Kia MVP Ladder. That's exactly what's happening with Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama this week, as their pivotal roles helped the Knicks and Spurs advance to the Emirates NBA Cup finals. For newcomers to the NBA scene, think of the Emirates NBA Cup as a mini-tournament during the regular season where teams compete for bragging rights and a unique championship—it's the only title an MVP hopeful can chase before the season's end, adding that extra layer of credibility.
It's only right to tip our hats to these two for their leadership, especially Wembanyama, who achieved this feat despite missing significant time earlier in the season. Winning the Cup, as Brunson did, or finishing as runner-up, like Wembanyama, deserves bonus points in the MVP conversation. So, let's acknowledge their efforts and see how the rest of the season unfolds to determine if their current high positions on the Ladder hold steady or shift.
Looking ahead, get ready for some holiday magic: Christmas Day is upon us, bringing the most anticipated matchups of the regular season. In 2025, it's no different, featuring a lineup of all-stars like Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Alperen Sengun, and Anthony Edwards—all currently in the top 10 of the Ladder—alongside legends such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jamal Murray, and Donovan Mitchell. Thursday promises to be a spectacle of skill and excitement that fans won't want to miss.
Now, a key stat to tuck away: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a perfect 2-0 record in Game 7s from last postseason, steering the OKC Thunder to a championship. Yet, he's just 1-2 in the NBA Cup in Las Vegas, marking the only major accolade missing from his impressive résumé—could this be the year he completes the set?
And from the sidelines, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch offered some insight: “We don’t need Ant to be the point guard in the classic sense. We need him to be himself, get us in and out of our structure, push the pace a little bit more. Largely he has done a good job with that. We don’t need him to make this shift over to being John Stockton.” This quote explains why Anthony Edwards, ranked ninth on the Ladder, frequently steps into the point guard role—a position that's been tricky for the Wolves, but one Edwards is adapting to with his unique flair.
Diving into the Kia MVP Ladder rankings:
- Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Holding steady from last week's No. 1 spot, Jokić continues to dazzle with season averages of 29.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. His versatility is unmatched; he's leading the Nuggets in scoring, rebounding, assists, and even steals, all while boasting a stunning 61% shooting efficiency despite being the focal point of their offense. With 13 triple-doubles in just 25 games (a triple-double means double figures in three of those categories, showcasing all-around dominance), Jokić is the ultimate multi-tool player. In December alone, he's upped his game to an average of 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, helping the injury-hit Nuggets inch closer to the top in the Western Conference—though they're still eyeing that pecking order with OKC's top dog.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Unchanged at No. 2 from the previous week, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this season. His consistency is legendary; most nights, he racks up around 30 points in about 28 minutes before resting in the fourth quarter, a strategy that keeps him fresh and the Thunder victorious. Just last Thursday, he poured in 32 points in 29 minutes against the Clippers—the very team that traded him and whose top draft pick next summer belongs to OKC, potentially making that pick even more valuable.
- Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Staying at No. 3, Dončić is averaging 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. He ranks among the top five in scoring and assists, blending elite offensive prowess with sharper defensive awareness. While he had a rare off night against the Suns last Sunday with seven baskets but six turnovers, such slumps are fleeting for a talent of his caliber. Take his Thursday performance: a 45-point triple-double against the Jazz, complete with five steals, underscoring his growing defensive commitment and unshakeable pride.
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Climbing from No. 6 last week, Brunson averages 28.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. Fresh off the Cup win, he nailed a game-winning shot against the Pacers in his return. His poised, elite play throughout the Emirates NBA Cup tournament has solidified his All-NBA potential, making him a top-10 scorer overall. In December, he's averaging nearly 30 points per game, shooting 50% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range, turning him into a nightmare for defenders due to his dribble-drive creativity.
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Dropping from No. 4, Cunningham boasts 27.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 9.2 assists. While Brunson's rise is well-deserved, Cunningham's steady performances—rarely dipping into off nights—keep him in the mix, as he excels in scoring or facilitating for teammates. As the second-highest in assists league-wide and 11th in scoring, he's the standout on the top Eastern Conference team, proving that individual brilliance paired with team success creates a strong MVP formula.
The next five in the rankings:
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (up from previous)
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (down from previous)
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets (up from previous)
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (unchanged)
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (down from previous)
And rounding out the list, alphabetically: Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks; Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers; Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets; Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers; and Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks.
What do you think, fans? Does leading a team to a championship like the Emirates NBA Cup automatically seal an MVP bid, or should we prioritize individual stats over collective wins? And is it fair to hold players accountable for factors like injuries or teammate shortcomings, or does that overlook true value? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with these rankings, or would you shake up the Ladder? Let's discuss!
Shaun Powell has been reporting on the NBA since 1985. Reach out to him at spowell@nba.com, check out his archive here, and follow him on X for more insights.
