Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective Final MVP Straw Poll - Can Wemby Catch SGA?? + The ROY Debate
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Apr 3, 2026 Tim Bontemps, ESPN NBA insider who runs the annual MVP straw poll, joins to unpack his final MVP rankings. He explains his methodology and why SGA edged Wemby. They debate Luka and Jokic’s standings and explore scenarios that could flip votes. The conversation then shifts to a tight Rookie of the Year tussle between Con Knueppel and Cooper Flagg.
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Use Availability And Moments As Practical Tiebreakers
- When evaluating award races, prioritize clear differentiators like availability and memorable moments.
- Bontemps recommends noticing late-season signature performances and minutes played as practical tiebreakers for voters.
Why Shea Holds A Big Edge Over Wemby
- The MVP race narrowed to two clear frontrunners with Shea Gildas-Alexander holding a sizeable lead over Victor Wembanyama.
- Bontemps reports Shea got 88 first-place votes to Victor's eight, reflecting binary voting dynamics and memorable late-season moments for Shea.
Binary Voting Explains Lopsided Poll Results
- Binary ballot structure magnifies small perceived advantages into lopsided results.
- Bontemps explains a 60-40 perceived split often becomes an 80-20 actual vote because voters must pick one player as first.