Heading into this season, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic look like the frontrunners for the regular-season MVP. Alongside them, perrenial favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo might be unable to put together another strong season. If he is out of the race, another great option is Jalen Brunson.

The Kia NBA regular-season MVP is given out to the best player in the league at the end of each season. From 2019 to 2025, bigs have had a firm grip on the race. Antetokounmpo won it in back-to-back years, Jokic took home the award in three of the last five seasons, and center Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers won it once.

The streak was snapped this season when Gilgeous-Alexander won it after leading his team to a 68-14 record and ultimately their organization's first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008.

Brunson is Due to Have One of His Best Seasons

The New York Knicks guard has quickly become a fan favorite because of his athleticism, shooting, and efficient scoring. Last season, he averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game on 48.8 % shooting from the field.

He did statistically regress from the previous season, but that was due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for 15 games. If Brunson, a two-time All-Star and two-time member of the All-NBA Second Team, can stay on the court and continue to produce at a high level, he should be able to join the league MVP conversation.

Furthermore, he has received a significant amount of recognition from fans since his jersey sold fifth-best in the league last season, ahead of Jokic (10) and Gilgeous-Alexander (9), but behind superstars LeBron James (3), Stephen Curry (2) and Luka Doncic (1).

The First Knick to Win MVP Since Willis Reed

New York hasn’t had a player receive the coveted award since the 1969-70 season, when all-time great center Willis Reed won it. Patrick Ewing came close to winning the award multiple times throughout his tenure with the Knicks, but fell short.

All-time great forward Carmelo Anthony received a first-place vote in 2012-13 but was easily surpassed by James. Since then, Brunson has been New York's best chance at winning an MVP.

Some believe center Karl-Anthony Towns might be able to get it done, but I’m not convinced he has what it takes. If I were to put money on the line, my best bet would be on Brunson.

He has shown his ability to rise to the occasion during big moments, so I believe it should be no problem for him to do it throughout the course of this season. The NBA should be put on standby, since Brunson can bring the league’s most coveted award back to New York.