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5 early-season NBA MVP candidates, including Luka Dončić
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- 5 early-season NBA MVP candidates, including Luka Dončić
The 2026-27 NBA season is just getting rolling, and we've seen some unreal performances. Memphis Grizzlies forward Ty Jerome has already dropped at least 40 points in two games this year.
Star players have been riddled with injuries, but the usual suspects have been doing damage. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić has been absolutely cooking teams.
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He's currently averaging a staggering 38.3 points per game. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is holding his own, too, with 30.0 PPG and 42.9% from three. It's never too early to see who the early-season contenders are for this year's NBA MVP award.
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1. Luka Dončić
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77). Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images.
LeBron James is no longer with the Los Angeles Lakers, and there's no doubt who's LA's franchise player now. That's Luka Dončić. Everything runs through #77, and they built this roster around him. The early returns have been fascinating. He's averaging 38.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds.
He has scored at least 42 points in two straight games. Dončić has been unreal from three-point range, hitting six or more three-pointers in five straight contests. The Lakers are 6-2 this season. He'll be a favorite for Most Valuable Player if the 27-year-old stays in the top three in the Western Conference all season.
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2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oct 15, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a nightmare start to the season injury-wise. They've lost starters Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to season-ending injuries. Big man Chet Holmgren is out for multiple weeks with a knee injury.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to be the lone survivor and has been lighting it up.
The Thunder are 5-2, and the two-time MVP is recording 28.4 PPG while dishing out 4.0 dimes a game. The Canadian star has won back-to-back MVPs, so there could be voter fatigue if his name is in the Most Valuable Player conversation. Voters will have to consider the Kentucky product if the Thunder are near the top of the standings and in title contention.
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3. Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most entertaining teams and have superstar names. Yes, they have LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, but one player has stood above the rest.
Tyrese Maxey has been UNREAL for the 76ers. He's dropping 29.1 PPG while dishing out 5.3 assists and grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game.
He's earning high praise from teammates and standing out on a star-studded team.
He's been clutch in the fourth quarter this season, and the 76ers are 7-1 to start the year. The former Kentucky Wildcat scored at least 15 points in the final quarter three times this season.
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4. Stephen Curry
Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) flexes after making a free throw against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Stephen Curry is an OG in this league, but he's still torching opponents. The Golden State Warriors have won five straight games, and their superstar is a major reason why. He has scored at least 31 points in three straight games.
Curry has built chemistry with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg , and they've become a dynamic duo. Chef Curry will have to play at an MVP level if the Warriors hope to contend this year.
If he has them in contention at the end of the year, voters will have to weigh that into their MVP vote. #30 has won two MVP awards and was the first unanimous MVP in NBA history
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5. Ty Jerome
Feb 25, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts with guard Javon Small (10) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Yes, you're reading that right. Memphis Grizzlies' Ty Jerome has been incredible this season and has been getting buckets on the rest of the NBA. It's a long shot that he'll maintain this level of play, but he's been playing like an MVP this season.
The Virginia product has scored 40 points twice this season, including a 45-point explosion against the Utah Jazz . He's averaging 28.2 points and 5.7 dimes per game. The Grizzlies are a surprising 6-1 to start the year, and Jerome has been the biggest reason why.
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