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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is our 2025 NBA MVP. It’s time to bury a time capsule, and predict the next ten winners. Here we go.

2026: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs C

It’s universally agreed upon that Wembanyama hoisting this trophy is a matter of when, not if. Why wait any longer?

Any serious candidate has to come from a squad that is solid at worst. Let’s not forget that San Antonio got off to a 18-16 start before things began to unravel this past season. Now this organization get a full campaign from De’Aaron Fox, while Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle continue to grow alongside him. Dylan Harper off the bench, and long-awaited certainty at the head coaching spot? Victor is going to average 26 and 12, and run away with the Defensive Player of the Year. If his team can steal home-court advantage, the voters will throw their hands up and make him the youngest MVP in history.

2027: Cade Cunningham, Pistons G

I was a junior in high school the last time an American-born player claimed the award. Cunningham is breaking that streak.

One of my main takeaways from Round 1 was that Detroit is a little closer than we thought. The Jayson Tatum injury springs the timeline forward, too; this is a front office that I believe should be eyeing win-now moves. At least call Utah and ask about Lauri Markkanen.

As soon as Cade has a strong supporting cast, it’s over. A run of first-team All-NBAs is right around the corner for this dude.

2028: Luka Doncic, Lakers G

I… think Mr. James is on the couch by this point? If so, it’ll leave a top-five guy all alone in the league’s biggest media market. The hype train is going to be relentless.

Doncic’s last full season with the Mavs gets more absurd every time I look at it. 34-10-9 on 49-38-79 shooting splits, and a trip to the Finals. The waterworks in Dallas will undoubtedly flick back on during his acceptance speech.

2029: Jayson Tatum, Celtics F

There’s nothing that sports fans enjoy more than a good storyline. Love Tatum or hate him, this one would be awesome.

A lot of things spiraled down the drain for Jayson on that fateful evening in Madison Square Garden. A year of his prime, Boston’s chance at a dynasty, his outside shot at the all-time scoring record. An MVP remains well within reach, though; the voters will have no problem getting behind him if the efficiency ticks up a bit.

2030: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets C

The notion that Jokic is going to retire early because he’s bored with basketball is simply preposterous. Like, are you even paying the slightest bit of attention to his behavior? Nikola definitely turns on the nonchalance for press conferences, but he’s as intense as anyone during the heat of battle.

His game should age beautifully. He’ll be 35 here, but it won’t be too late to add a fourth to his tally.

2031: Amen Thompson, Rockets G

I am totally serious about this kid. 14-8-4 on 56% shooting in Year 2. One of the five youngest players to ever be named first-team All-Defense. He’s perhaps the most athletic human being on Earth at the moment. I genuinely believe Amen could compete for a medal in the 100-meter dash at the 2028 Olympics.

Just develop that jumper, man. The world is in your hands.

2032: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves G

The improvement from three-point range is pretty astounding. Edwards was under 30% in his lone campaign at Georgia, on almost eight attempts per night. If this season was real, he’s suddenly an elite sniper.

That explosive athleticism will still be there in seven years, and the decision-making is likely much improved by then. He’ll get to that podium at long last.

2033: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs C

A second for Wemby. This one moves him squarely into the top 25 all-time.

2034: Dylan Harper, G (Rutgers)

I love it all. Everything just looks so natural. The handle, the paint finishing, the playmaking. Harper didn’t shoot the long ball great with the Scarlet Knights, but I trust the stroke. I think he wins at least one scoring title.

Quite frankly, I don’t want to hear people using Rutgers’ disappointing season as an argument against Dylan. Don’t be lazy. The aforementioned Anthony Edwards was on a .500 squad in Athens. Tyrese Haliburton went 12-20 in his final year at Iowa State. If you don’t believe in a prospect, at least give me a thoughtful reason why.

Harper - assuming the Spurs take him at No. 2 - may ultimately need to leave Wemby in order to win the award. That hypothetical departure will be quite a sad day for San Antonio folks.

2035: Darryn Peterson, G (Committed to Kansas)

We’ll cap this off with an educated dart throw. To me, there is a sizable gap between Peterson and the rest of this 2025 recruiting class. He already carries himself like a professional, and the competitive fire is evident.

There are no glaring weaknesses at the moment. I expect him to have the top spot in the 2026 Draft locked up by New Year’s Day.

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