PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Warriors defeated the Suns 101-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

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Eric Jay Santos

By Eric Jay Santos

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NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are getting close to facing ineligibility for the league’s Most Valuable Player award, as players must appear in at least 65 games. Gilgeous-Alexander can miss six more games, while Jokic can miss only one more game.

Players that are ineligible for the MVP award include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, and Anthony Davis. This opens the door further for a new face to rise to the occasion.

On a recent episode of his podcast, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green shared his thoughts on the ongoing MVP race.

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“With Joker and SGA on the brink of reaching their quota for games played in order to still be in the MVP discussion, there’s been a lot of chatter around who’s the next top three candidates if those guys don’t qualify. I think your top three is Cade, Jaylen Brown, and Wemby.”

The Candidates

Green’s statement appears to be linked to team success, as the three candidates mentioned are all leaders of top franchises in their respective conferences. Each candidate stands out of the mix for a unique reason.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 27: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shots against the Toronto Raptors in second half at Frost Bank Center on October 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

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Cade Cunningham has led the Detroit Pistons to the top spot in the Eastern Conference, averaging 25.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. With one more victory, Detroit would secure its winningest season since 2008.

Jaylen Brown has sustained the Boston Celtics as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Notably, the Celtics have been competing without six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum.

Victor Wembanyama has pushed the Spurs to second place in the Western Conference standings, averaging 23.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. If named this year’s winner, the 22-year-old center would be the youngest MVP in league history.

While Gilgeous-Alexander remains within range of capturing back-to-back MVP awards, the 65-game eligibility rule could dramatically alter the race. The regular season ends on April 12.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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