Luka Dončić leads the first 2026-27 MVP Ladder published by NBA.com writer Shaun Powell, ahead of Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The weekly list is the columnist's assessment, not an official MVP ballot result or an award announcement.
In the November 6 snapshot, Dončić was averaging 38.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists. Powell noted that the Lakers guard had scored at least 40 points in five of his previous six games. He also reported a 52-point performance against Utah. The figures reflect the early-season sample in the column.
The case for the top three
Wembanyama was averaging 29.0 points, 12.4 rebounds and 4.5 blocks. Powell highlighted his 52 points, 24 rebounds and eight blocks in a close win over Dallas; the first two were career highs, according to the writer.
Gilgeous-Alexander was third with averages of 30.1 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Powell discussed his role with Oklahoma City dealing with injuries and pointed to a 43-point game against Cleveland.
Completing the top ten
Tyrese Maxey and Jayson Tatum were fourth and fifth. Alperen Şengün, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Cooper Flagg and Nikola Jokić completed the top ten in that order.
Powell said the ladder would be updated weekly based on season production, the past week's games and player availability. The ordering reflects Powell’s editorial judgement; it is not the position of the NBA or its teams. It is an early assessment that can change as more games are played.