The NBA MVP Award is the Holy Grail of regular-season basketball. It’s the ultimate recognition for players who dominate not just the stat sheets but the league as a whole—a testament to their skill, leadership, and sheer value to their team. But have you ever wondered exactly how the MVP is crowned and what hoops (pun intended) a player has to jump through to nab the league’s top prize?
This blog takes a courtside seat to the NBA MVP selection process, breaking down everything from how the voting works to who decides it all. Plus, we’ll spotlight 2025’s favorites and assess their MVP-worthy credentials.
How Is the NBA MVP Chosen?
Contrary to popular belief, the MVP trophy isn’t just handed to the player with the most highlight-worthy dunks or viral moments. The voting process for the MVP is grounded in a structured system, albeit one laced with subjective interpretation.
Who Votes?
A panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from across the United States and Canada holds the keys to the MVP kingdom. These voters are specifically chosen by the NBA, ensuring a mix of local and national perspectives on the nominees.
Worthy of note—fans don’t get a direct vote for MVP (sorry, superfans). And while players and coaches occasionally share their opinions, they don’t get to officially influence the results either. It’s all in the hands of the journalists, analysts, and broadcasters. (Is that a sigh of relief or skepticism we hear?)
When Does the Voting Happen?
Voting takes place immediately after the regular NBA season ends. This eliminates playoff performance from the equation. Yes, this means those insane, game-saving Finals buzzer-beaters don’t get factored in—it’s all about the regular-season grind.
What Changed This Year?
To avoid rewarding part-time appearances due to load management (looking at you, Kawhi Leonard), a 65-game minimum has been introduced this season. MVP contenders now have to show up consistently to even be eligible for the award. Think of it as a nod to the fans—everyone loves a player who suits up night after night.
Breaking Down the MVP Voting System
Here’s where the math comes in. Each of the 100 voters submits a ballot listing their top five MVP choices in order of preference. Votes are scored on a point system:
- First-place vote: 10 points
- Second-place vote: 7 points
- Third-place vote: 5 points
- Fourth-place vote: 3 points
- Fifth-place vote: 1 point
In the end, the player with the highest cumulative points score earns the honor of being named MVP. Simple enough, right? Well, not quite.
While this system is meant to be impartial, factors like “voter fatigue” (yep, that’s a thing), player narratives, and media bias often cloud the process. That’s why sometimes the “best” player doesn’t always win.
What Makes an MVP?
You might be thinking, “Surely they just pick the best player in the league?” But here’s the snag—there’s no set criteria. The league intentionally avoids defining “value,” leaving a lot of room for subjective interpretation. Generally, though, voters consider:
- Stats: Traditional figures like points, rebounds, and assists still matter, but advanced analytics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Win Shares are heavily leaned on, too.
- Team Success: It’s rare for an MVP to come from a bad or even mediocre team. The “best player on the best team” argument holds a lot of weight.
- Consistency: Showing up—and balling out—every night is crucial.
- MVP Moments: Iconic performances in clutch games? Outperforming rivals in head-to-head matchups? Big-time narrative builders.
Speaking of narratives, media storytelling plays a surprisingly significant role in shaping votes. A compelling narrative—say, a player carrying their team despite injuries—can tip the scales even against statistically stronger contenders.
2025 NBA MVP Favorites
With the criteria and process laid out, it’s time to look at the favorites for 2025’s award. Spoiler alert: It’s a murderers’ row of basketball greatness.
Nikola Jokic
Do MVP voters have “Jokic fatigue” yet? Maybe. But facts are facts—when Nikola Jokic steps on the court, the Denver Nuggets become one of the most efficient offenses in league history. After almost averaging a triple-double in 2024 while delivering 50+ wins, he’s made a rock-solid case for his fourth MVP. The odds by FanDuel suggest that he is the favorite, and for the right reasons.
- Why It Could Happen: He’s the ultimate playmaker who makes his team better in ways few others can.
- Why It Might Not: Voter fatigue is real, and history isn’t kind to four-time MVP hopefuls.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)
The Oklahoma City Thunder snagged the West’s No. 1 seed last year thanks to SGA’s jaw-dropping two-way play. One of the league’s most efficient scorers, he’s the centerpiece of a team brimming with potential.
- Why It Could Happen: His growth as a superstar is undeniable, and team success backs up his case.
- Why It Might Not: If OKC regresses, so does his MVP run.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The “Greek Freak” is putting up career-high numbers while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to contender status yet again. With his freakish athleticism and relentless drive, Giannis remains a perennial threat for the award.
- Why It Could Happen: Two MVPs aren’t enough! Giannis is a team-carrying machine.
- Why It Might Not: He’s already got two MVPs—will voter fatigue strike again?
Jayson Tatum
Nothing says “bounce-back season” better than Tatum’s incredible form this year. After feeling snubbed on multiple fronts, Tatum is consistently putting in MVP-level performances.
- Why It Could Happen: Combine his numbers with Boston’s dominance, and he’s an easy pick.
- Why It Might Not: Boston’s depth could overshadow him.
Luka Doncic
Mavs fans, rejoice—Luka is officially delivering playoff-level confidence at a regular-season pace. Critics keep saying Dallas needs a high seed for Luka to win, and this might be the year he leads them there.
- Why It Could Happen: Statistically unmatched, Doncic is a beast.
- Why It Might Not: Potential injuries or team inconsistency could be his Achilles’ heel.
It’s Complicated
The MVP Award might be a celebration of individual brilliance, but in reality, its selection process brings to light the complex web of stats, narratives, and biases shaping modern basketball. From voter tendencies to team contexts, every element matters.
And for this year? It’s impossible to predict with certainty—but that’s half the fun. Who’s your top pick for 2025 MVP?