Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson rank among the favorites to watch in the NBA Finals MVP chase.
There’s a popular belief that the MVP is the most coveted individual award in the league, based on — if nothing else — the desire of players to win it and the attention paid to it by the basketball public.
Being named NBA Finals MVP comes with a massive bonus and an edge. Winning this award means that the player also captured the championship, which has been the case for every Finals MVP except in 1969 (when Lakers legend Jerry West lost the series to the Celtics, but won the trophy).
There’s no greater glory than hoisting both the Bill Russell Trophy (as Finals MVP) and the Larry O’Brien Trophy (as NBA champion) simultaneously. That’s the true definition of hands being full.
As the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs prepare for the tip in the 2026 NBA Finals, there’s no shortage of candidates for the MVP ladder. The top two possibilities are obvious — Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson. However, the award doesn’t always fall into the hands of a team’s most acclaimed player.
No one has dibs on the Finals MVP, which is up for grabs much more than the regular-season MVP because it’s not over an 82-game season, but a best-of-seven series, where anything can happen — and anyone can win it.
Here’s the pre-NBA Finals ladder watch:
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
2026 playoff stats: 23.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.5 bpg
His case: The number of players to lead a team to the NBA Finals by his third season is tiny — think Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, all legends.
Wembanyama is in that special class because his ascent, like the few before him, has been impactful in multiple ways. He has that championship gene, based on talent, determination and presence, unless he proves otherwise now or in the future, and good luck betting against him.
Wembanyama looms over this series and not just literally. He’s the one player who can win a game or a championship based on what he does at both ends of the floor. Actually, his defense could swing the series, because how often will the Knicks, like many teams, think twice before attacking the rim or shooting floaters when he’s in the paint?
His offense (27.3 ppg in the West Finals) is striking because Wembanyama isn’t shy about pulling up for 3s, no matter the situation — his gutsy 30-footer late in Game 1 of the conference finals stunned OKC and everyone else. And of course he’s dangerous on the lob, which the Spurs are increasingly using to get easy dunks for him. If he has a great series, it’s hard to see the Spurs losing.
2. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
2026 playoff stats: 26.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 6.6 apg
His case: Steady and sure through much of the post-season, Brunson is making a case for being an all-time Knick — the best since Patrick Ewing at the very least.
His court vision and awareness, clever decisions, shooting from all angles and leadership have positioned the Knicks for a championship. Best of all, his ability to perform in the clutch, where he rarely makes a mistake and doesn’t shy away from the moment, is his best asset — a winning one, actually.
Has any player in recent history overcome his so-called physical limitations better than Brunson? Perhaps not. He’s barely 6-foot-2 and has the athletic ability of an accountant. Yet he’s a pure baller and a smart one, too — and that trumps all.
Brunson’s signature moment was his sizzling fourth quarter and overtime in Game 1 of the East Finals against the Cavs. It was a display of big-shot-making and determination under duress. He’s a rare species.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
2026 playoff stats: 16.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 5.9 apg
His case: He’s an automatic double-double for the Knicks and has been since joining the club a few years ago. His size and shooting range put him in a special class of player. And he’s very consistent on the boards.
When challenged by coach Mike Brown to become more of a passer from the high post, Towns responded immediately and splendidly in the first round when the Knicks found themselves in a 2-2 series with the Hawks and needed a shakeup. As a result, Towns is averaging nearly as many assists in the postseason as Brunson.
His size will be a big issue against Wembanyama. Not only must Towns play effective defense against Wembanyama — though the Knicks will rotate defenders on him — but also use his shooting range to force Wembanyama to stray from the post.
4. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
2026 playoff stats: 19.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 6.7 apg
His case: His growth and maturity throughout the playoffs have been remarkable to witness. Very often, 21-year-olds such as Castle endure tough stretches that become lessons learned. But Castle has had few of those moments.
Instead, his energy and aggressiveness have been evident at both ends. He isn’t spooked by the big stage, and that’s a bonus for such a young player.
Castle managed to shake free of his only vice — turnovers — to become the Spurs’ second-most dependable scorer, averaging three points above his regular-season contribution. His defense against Brunson could be a difference-maker in the Finals. Remember, he and other Spurs guards managed to keep Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in check through much of the West Finals.
5. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
2026 playoff stats: 19.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.9 apg
His case: He’s the best two-way option on the Knicks, a player who can score and defend equally as well. That’s a necessary talent in the Finals, when a player with those qualities can make a difference. Even if Anunoby’s shot isn’t falling, he can contribute defensively and remain on the floor for important minutes.
He could see a reasonable amount of time guarding Wembanyama because although he’s at an obvious size disadvantage, his strength could force the Spurs center from the paint and take more mid-range shots.
Remember, Andre Iguodala won Finals MVP in 2015 for his defense against Cleveland’s LeBron James.
The next 5:
6. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
7. Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
8. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
9. Josh Hart, New York Knicks
10. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at [email protected], find his archive here and follow him on X.
