In the latest Kia MVP Ladder Wembanyama overtakes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and claims the No. 1 spot. The surprise isn’t that he got there – it’s how quickly it happened.

Wembanyama’s MVP Case: The Numbers (and More)

When it comes to Victor Wembanyama the numbers are impressive—but they don’t tell the whole story. Averaging 24.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks would already be enough to build a strong case. But what makes the Frenchman truly irresistible in this race is something else: complete two-way dominance the ability to control the game on both ends with a natural ease rarely seen at his age.

17 blocks in his last three games. Not three seasons – three games. A number that becomes even more striking when compared to entire teams: with Wemby on the floor, the Spurs match the block production of squads like the Jazz, Nuggets, and Bucks. And all of this comes in under 30 minutes per night – which makes you wonder what would happen with more time on the clock.

At 22 years old, Wembanyama would become just the second player that young to win the Kia MVP, after Derrick Rose in 2011. History is knocking on San Antonio’s door.

The Race Tightens: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic and the Others

Knocked off the top spot, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the most remarkable stories of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is doing something unprecedented: averaging 31.5 points with historic efficiency minimal turnovers, and 41 games with at least 30 points. Few players in NBA history have matched that level of production with such shot quality – and the fact that he’s a guard makes it even more impressive.

Climbing back to third is Nikola Jokic who, after a brief post-injury dip, is back to doing what only he can: flirting with a triple-double every night. Over his last three games, he’s totaled 36 assists with just three turnovers all while navigating a tight schedule with travel across time zones. If he finishes the season leading the league in rebounds and assists – as seems likely – he would be the first player ever to do so while also ranking top-7 in scoring.

Luka Doncic drops one spot but remains the league’s leading scorer at 33.6 points per game piling up 60-, 50-, and three 40-point performances in March alone. With the Los Angeles Lakers holding a strong position in the West, his candidacy is far from over – especially given his noticeable defensive improvement, highlighted by 2.5 steals per game over his last 11 outings.

Rounding out the top five is Jaylen Brown who has carried the Boston Celtics during Jayson Tatum’s injury absence. His performance against the Thunder – 31 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and the game-winning three – perfectly captures a season that has elevated him into a legitimate MVP candidate.

Why Wembanyama Is Already Ready

There’s always a question surrounding great young talents: is it already their time? In Wembanyama’s case, the answer is simple – yes, because the numbers, the impact, and the maturity all say so.

It’s not just about stats. It’s about a 22-year-old who didn’t need an adjustment period, who didn’t wait his turn, who has led the Spurs – one of the youngest teams in the league – into contention for the top spot in the West. A result that, just a few months ago, seemed like pure fantasy.

The NBA MVP race in 2026 is still wide open. But right now, it has one name written in bold, unmistakable letters: Victor Wembanyama.