Jokic vs Wembanyama: Who’s the REAL Favorite for the 2025 MVP?
Jokic and Wembanyama are dominating the start of the season, sparking the debate on the next MVP. Barkley and Shaq also have very different opinions on the topic
Just a few weeks into the Regular Season, two giants are taking over the NBA conversation: Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama.
One is a three-time MVP and NBA champion. The other is a 21-year-old phenom in just his third season, already putting up MVP-level numbers.
And suddenly, the question is real: who’s the frontrunner for the 2025 MVP?
For the first time in years, the San Antonio Spurs are relevant again.
Their 8-3 record is a dramatic shift from recent struggles, and Wemby is the engine behind the revival – though he’s getting significant help from Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and the experience of De’Aaron Fox, whose leadership is accelerating the growth of the Spurs’ young backcourt.
Wembanyama is no longer just a marvel – he’s becoming a winning superstar.
The MVP buzz exploded on Inside the NBA, where Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal broke into a heated discussion about the two big men.
Barkley argues the league is taking Jokić for granted:
We’ve made Jokic something normal. He’s the best player in the world and casually puts up 26, 16 and 17 like it’s nothing.
Charles Barkley
Shaq agreed – but only to a point. The Diesel wasn’t having any disrespect toward Wemby:
I don’t like when you say that. Jokic is great, but don’t diminish what Wembanyama is doing. Don’t joke.
Shaquille O’Neal
Then Barkley doubled down, adding a third candidate into the mix:
I’d give the MVP to Luka Doncic before Jokic. Or I’d give it to Joker with Luka second. I wouldn’t give it to Wembanyama.
Charles Barkley
Right now, Jokić is still the safest pick. His production, efficiency, and impact have him firmly in control of the race. But Wembanyama is closing the gap faster than expected – and he’s dragging an entire franchise upward while doing it.
If the Spurs keep winning and Wemby keeps evolving at this pace, the MVP debate could get a lot more complicated.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t a two-man race anymore. Jokić, Wembanyama, Luka, and SGA are all in the picture – and the season is only just beginning.