Fred VanVleet questions MVP race as Doncic is treated differently to Wembanyama

VanVleet openly criticised recent MVP Ladder movements, focusing on Doncic’s drop to fourth place. The Lakers star now trails Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, VanVleet highlighted what he sees as a contradiction in how performances are being judged.

“This is one that I don’t like. Luca has been averaging 40, 10 and 10 for the last two, three weeks. He’s going down the list. Wemby gets up there at a press conference, he says ‘I’m the MVP’ and he goes up,” he stated.

The 32-year-old guard then added: “He’s very deserving. I would never be mad if he won. I think every year there’s multiple guys that are deserving, but I’m just saying, sometimes it’s like ‘What is this? What is this s— really about?’”

Luka Doncic’s All-NBA hopes face challenge due to injury absence

Doncic’s season has also been impacted by injury, which could affect his eligibility for major honours. A hamstring issue is set to keep him out for the remainder of the regular season.

That absence places him below the NBA’s 65-game threshold for awards eligibility. The rule has become a key factor in determining MVP and All-NBA selections.

His camp is now attempting to challenge that outcome. Agent Bill Duffy confirmed to Shams Charania that they will apply for an “Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge” to the rule.

Still, for Doncic, the situation adds another layer to an already complex MVP race. While his performances remain elite, both narrative and availability could ultimately shape how his season is judged.