Victor Wembanyama Would Vote Himself MVP

Merlin sees Victor Wembanyama answering "Of course" when asked if he would vote for himself in the MVP race. He sits in a crowded conversation with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cade Cunningham, Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, though Cunningham’s collapsed lung changes the field. Wembanyama leads the league with 3.0 blocks and averages 24.2 points and 11.1 rebounds while shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and 35.9 percent from deep. The Spurs are 51-18 and second in the West, so his case is more than talk. Merlin notes the young giant is already a two-time block champ, Rookie of the Year and two-time All Star, a true matchup nightmare on both ends. He would happily trade an MVP for deeper playoff runs, saying "Playoff basketball is still a dream for us." The award may not come this year, but many more seasons lie ahead for Wembanyama to claim it.