The most vivid rise on the Kia MVP Ladder is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the unquestioned leader of the surging Oklahoma City Thunder. Both the player and team enter 2025 boosted by a December that saw them go 12-1 (the Emirates NBA Cup Championship loss doesn’t count in the standings).

Gilgeous-Alexander has been brilliant all season and had three 40-point games over the last 10 days. That level of consistency must be saluted along with the success of the Thunder, who remain in the West penthouse. Therefore, he moves up a step and is tapping Nikola Jokić on the shoulder.

Also, V

ictor Wembanyama moves into the top five helped by an impressive December (and Christmas Day game in New York) as well, on both ends of the floor. He’s No. 7 in scoring and is more efficient than a year ago. He’s also averaging more blocks than the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat.

Meanwhile: “The Joker” ranks top-three in the NBA in scoring, rebounds and assists and therefore keeps space between him and the field on the ladder. This also helps is case: Denver is up to No. 4 in the Western Conference.