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The NBA awards are beginning to roll out, and on Sunday, the league’s most coveted honor reportedly found its winner.
According to reports, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been selected as the 2025–26 NBA MVP. He becomes the NBA’s first back-to-back MVP winner since 2022.
MORE: Bronny James is right about his dad LeBron James amid uncertainty
Gilgeous-Alexander now joins one of the league’s most exclusive groups. Only 14 players in the NBA’s 77-year history have won consecutive MVP awards. Here’s a look at the players who achieved one of basketball’s rarest accomplishments.
Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles down the court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Before Sunday’s announcement, Jokić was the most recent player to accomplish the feat. Since entering the league, he has remained a constant presence in MVP conversations.
Jokić was once again considered a favorite in this year’s race, but Gilgeous-Alexander separated himself as the clear frontrunner down the stretch.
The “Greek Freak” may be the subject of offseason trade speculation, but he already cemented his legacy with back-to-back MVP awards for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since entering the league in 2013, Antetokounmpo has developed into one of the NBA’s premier stars. In 2021, he led Milwaukee to an NBA Finals championship.
Curry became the face of the Golden State Warriors dynasty and one of the defining players of his era alongside LeBron James.
MORE: How the Golden State Warriors must act on Stephen Curry’s retirement timeline
He earned both MVP awards during Golden State’s dominant championship run and continues to remain in the MVP conversation year after year.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Over 23 seasons, James has built a resume defined by sustained dominance, including two separate stretches of back-to-back MVP awards. Only one other player in NBA history has matched that accomplishment.
Beyond his accolades, James has become the face of both the franchises he has played for and the NBA itself. By the end of his career, he may stand as the defining figure in league history.
Before coaching the Brooklyn Nets, Nash built a Hall of Fame career with the Phoenix Suns, highlighted by consecutive MVP awards.
In addition to his MVP honors, Nash earned eight All-Star selections and three All-NBA First Team nods.
Duncan served as the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty for nearly two decades. Along with back-to-back MVP awards, he won five NBA championships.
MORE: Jason Collins’ family announces sad news about pioneering NBA player
He also captured three NBA Finals MVP awards during his career.
June 5, 1998; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan in game two of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY
If anyone rivals James as the face of NBA history, it’s Jordan. His career became synonymous with excellence, dominance, and championships.
In addition to consecutive MVP awards, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to two separate three-peats in the NBA Finals.
At the height of his career, Johnson helped define the NBA’s popularity boom. His consecutive MVP awards accounted for two of his three career MVP trophies.
Johnson also won five NBA championships and earned three NBA Finals MVP awards with the Los Angeles Lakers.
When discussing Magic Johnson, it’s impossible not to mention his greatest rival, Larry Bird. Bird led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships, including one Finals victory over Johnson’s Lakers.
MORE: Former Warriors guard, NBA champion, announces immediate retirement at 33
The Celtics legend also earned two NBA Finals MVP awards.
Feb 8, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers great Julius Erving (L) and special guest look on as former 76ers great Moses Malone retired number banner is raised in the halftime ceremony in a game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Malone won three MVP awards during his career — one with the Houston Rockets and two consecutive honors with the Philadelphia 76ers.
His final MVP season ended with an NBA championship, and he also took home Finals MVP honors that year.
Abdul-Jabbar owns one of the most decorated résumés in NBA history. Four of his six MVP awards came during two separate back-to-back runs.
The 19-time All-Star also won six NBA championships during his legendary career.
Chamberlain remains one of only two players in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP awards. He accomplished the feat while playing for the Warriors and the 76ers.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith gives his top 5 landing spots for LeBron James next season
He also won two NBA championships and earned an NBA Finals MVP award in 1972.
Feb 1967; Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics center Bill Russell (6) in action against Cincinnati Royals center Connie Dierking (24) during the 1966-67 season. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
Russell’s resume may be the most decorated in NBA history: five MVP awards, 11 NBA championships, and 12 All-Star selections.
He remains the only other player besides Chamberlain to win three straight MVP awards.
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According to reports, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been selected as the 2025–26 NBA MVP. He becomes the NBA’s first back-to-back MVP winner since 2022.
MORE: Bronny James is right about his dad LeBron James amid uncertainty
Gilgeous-Alexander now joins one of the league’s most exclusive groups. Only 14 players in the NBA’s 77-year history have won consecutive MVP awards. Here’s a look at the players who achieved one of basketball’s rarest accomplishments.
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Apr 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles down the court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Nikola Jokic: 2020–21, 2021–22
Before Sunday’s announcement, Jokić was the most recent player to accomplish the feat. Since entering the league, he has remained a constant presence in MVP conversations.
Jokić was once again considered a favorite in this year’s race, but Gilgeous-Alexander separated himself as the clear frontrunner down the stretch.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2018–19, 2019–20
The “Greek Freak” may be the subject of offseason trade speculation, but he already cemented his legacy with back-to-back MVP awards for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since entering the league in 2013, Antetokounmpo has developed into one of the NBA’s premier stars. In 2021, he led Milwaukee to an NBA Finals championship.
Stephen Curry: 2014–15, 2015–16
Curry became the face of the Golden State Warriors dynasty and one of the defining players of his era alongside LeBron James.
MORE: How the Golden State Warriors must act on Stephen Curry’s retirement timeline
He earned both MVP awards during Golden State’s dominant championship run and continues to remain in the MVP conversation year after year.
You must be registered for see images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LeBron James: 2008–09, 2009–10 and 2011–12, 2012–13
Over 23 seasons, James has built a resume defined by sustained dominance, including two separate stretches of back-to-back MVP awards. Only one other player in NBA history has matched that accomplishment.
Beyond his accolades, James has become the face of both the franchises he has played for and the NBA itself. By the end of his career, he may stand as the defining figure in league history.
Steve Nash: 2004–05, 2005–06
Before coaching the Brooklyn Nets, Nash built a Hall of Fame career with the Phoenix Suns, highlighted by consecutive MVP awards.
In addition to his MVP honors, Nash earned eight All-Star selections and three All-NBA First Team nods.
Tim Duncan: 2001–02, 2002–03
Duncan served as the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty for nearly two decades. Along with back-to-back MVP awards, he won five NBA championships.
MORE: Jason Collins’ family announces sad news about pioneering NBA player
He also captured three NBA Finals MVP awards during his career.
You must be registered for see images attach
June 5, 1998; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan in game two of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY
Michael Jordan: 1990–91, 1991–92
If anyone rivals James as the face of NBA history, it’s Jordan. His career became synonymous with excellence, dominance, and championships.
In addition to consecutive MVP awards, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to two separate three-peats in the NBA Finals.
Magic Johnson: 1988–89, 1989–90
At the height of his career, Johnson helped define the NBA’s popularity boom. His consecutive MVP awards accounted for two of his three career MVP trophies.
Johnson also won five NBA championships and earned three NBA Finals MVP awards with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Larry Bird: 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86
When discussing Magic Johnson, it’s impossible not to mention his greatest rival, Larry Bird. Bird led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships, including one Finals victory over Johnson’s Lakers.
MORE: Former Warriors guard, NBA champion, announces immediate retirement at 33
The Celtics legend also earned two NBA Finals MVP awards.
You must be registered for see images attach
Feb 8, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers great Julius Erving (L) and special guest look on as former 76ers great Moses Malone retired number banner is raised in the halftime ceremony in a game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Moses Malone: 1981–82, 1982–83
Malone won three MVP awards during his career — one with the Houston Rockets and two consecutive honors with the Philadelphia 76ers.
His final MVP season ended with an NBA championship, and he also took home Finals MVP honors that year.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1975–76, 1976–77
Abdul-Jabbar owns one of the most decorated résumés in NBA history. Four of his six MVP awards came during two separate back-to-back runs.
The 19-time All-Star also won six NBA championships during his legendary career.
Wilt Chamberlain: 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68
Chamberlain remains one of only two players in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP awards. He accomplished the feat while playing for the Warriors and the 76ers.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith gives his top 5 landing spots for LeBron James next season
He also won two NBA championships and earned an NBA Finals MVP award in 1972.
You must be registered for see images attach
Feb 1967; Unknown location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics center Bill Russell (6) in action against Cincinnati Royals center Connie Dierking (24) during the 1966-67 season. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
Bill Russell: 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63
Russell’s resume may be the most decorated in NBA history: five MVP awards, 11 NBA championships, and 12 All-Star selections.
He remains the only other player besides Chamberlain to win three straight MVP awards.
Continue reading...
