The clock is ticking for NBA’s rising stars—Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards. Each of these young powerhouses has shown MVP potential, but they haven’t snagged the award just yet. And if you believe Sirius XM’s Justin Termine, this season may be their last real shot before the league’s next generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, takes over. According to Termine, Wemby’s arrival could put these stars in a tough spot: “If Luka, Tatum, or Edwards don’t win it this year…they might never win one because Wembanyama is just around the corner here.”
Termine isn’t alone in the hype. Wembanyama has drawn comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain. The logic is simple: Jordan, Wilt, and Russell all dominated their respective eras, effectively locking out other players from MVP contention. If Wemby lives up to even a fraction of these comparisons, his anticipated dominance could make MVP awards scarce for everyone else. So, can Tatum, Doncic, or Edwards make their MVP dreams a reality before this potential takeover?
Luka Doncic: The All-Around Phenomenon
Luka’s already brushed up against MVP status, finishing third last season while posting monster numbers: 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Still, critics point to his defensive lapses as a potential roadblock. If Doncic can level up on defense, this might finally be his season to claim the MVP crown. But with high expectations and intense competition, he’ll have to put up a complete, two-way performance to edge out other top contenders.
Jayson Tatum: Seeking Redemption and Consistency
Tatum’s MVP case is compelling, yet he’s struggled with consistency. In 2022-23, he averaged a stellar 30.1 points per game but dropped to 26.9 last season. And while he’s reached the Finals, Finals MVP slipped through his fingers when Jaylen Brown’s clutch play took center stage. Tatum has everything in place—experience, a strong supporting cast, and the platform to dominate. If he can maintain peak performance this season, he’s a strong candidate for MVP.
Anthony Edwards: Hungry for Recognition
Edwards might be the dark horse in this conversation, but his drive is undeniable. Coming off an impressive FIBA World Cup and a breakout season with the Timberwolves, Edwards is ready to reach new heights. His Media Day comments echoed that ambition: “That’s what I’m going for… Now it’s on me to make it happen.” With a solid roster and a growing leadership role, Edwards has both the skill and mindset to make an MVP run.
The Wemby Factor: Real Threat or Hype?
No one can deny Wembanyama’s potential, but let’s not forget he’s still a rookie adapting to the NBA’s intense grind. While Wemby’s already a sensation, we’re yet to see how he’ll stack up against the league’s elite over an entire season. However, if he does emerge as the all-encompassing player many expect, it could indeed redefine the MVP race, much like LeBron, Jordan, and Shaq did before him.
So, who will claim MVP this season before Wemby potentially reshapes the league’s hierarchy? Will it be Luka, with his unmatched versatility? Tatum, seeking consistency and redemption? Or Edwards, the fearless underdog with something to prove? Let us know in the comments who you think will rise to the top in what’s shaping up to be a must-watch season.
