NBA MVP Rankings: Victor Wembanyama jumps into top three, Cade Cunningham could win by default
CBS Sports
by
Brad Botkin
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Victor Wembanyama is making waves in the NBA MVP race, rising to the third spot, while Cade Cunningham could emerge as a strong contender by default. With only two players—Cunningham and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—on track to meet the 65-game threshold for MVP eligibility this season, the competition takes an interesting twist. SGA’s abdominal injury has him nearing the 12-game absence mark, which could push him closer to falling short of the required games. Meanwhile, Cunningham remains a strong favorite, especially since he leads the league in points generated via assists and is crucial to his team’s success.
The article highlights how the MVP race hinges on both performance and availability. Nikola Jokić is at risk of becoming ineligible if he misses one more game, while Wembanyama can only miss four more before being ruled out. Luka Dončić, despite his impressive stats, isn’t even in the top five for consideration yet due to lingering doubts about his consistency. The focus remains on Cunningham and SGA, with their respective strengths and challenges shaping the MVP narrative.
Cunningham’s case is bolstered by his ability to lead the Pistons to competitive records despite a lack of reliable offensive options. His all-around game, including career-high efficiency stats and leadership, makes him a standout candidate. On the other hand, SGA’s injury cloud overshadows his otherwise stellar performance, which includes setting new scoring benchmarks and leading the Thunder to strong results.
This MVP race is not just about individual brilliance but also about sustainability and consistency. With only two clear contenders meeting the game threshold, Cunningham’s ability to
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026