Where Does Wemby Rank in NBA MVP Race?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 2:19 PM ET

Despite the San Antonio Spurs currently riding a three-game losing streak, Victor Wembanyama's stock continues to rise. The second-year player could break Derrick Rose's record as the youngest player to win NBA MVP if he takes home the trophy next season, but he is already in the running for the award this year.

Averaging 25.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and four blocks is good enough to enter the conversation, and his 35.4 percent mark from 3-point range from high volume is the icing on the cake.

According to the NBA's most recent MVP ladder, Wembanyama is fourth in the running to win the Michael Jordan Trophy, behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His two dominant performances against Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are key reasons why he jumped ahead from the fifth spot, passing Jayson Tatum.

According to FanDuel, Tatum still has the edge on Wembabyama in terms of betting odds. Wemby's +10000 odds place him in a distant fifth place.

If the Spurs were better than tenth in the Western Conference, there is a very real chance that Wembanyama's two-way dominance would cement his MVP case, younger than Rose by a full year. However, the Spurs' lackluster 18-19 record keeps him a few spots away from being the frontrunner.

Of course, injuries to Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Kawhi Leonard likely help his standing, as three of the league's best players will fail to meet the 65-game minimum to qualify.

The Spurs will take on ninth-ranked Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday and Monday, which could boost Wembanyama's MVP case even more.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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