Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert get votes in ESPN's MVP straw poll

The two Timberwolves were among 12 total vote getters.

Rudy Gobert for MVP?

At least one ESPN NBA insider thinks he’s in the running.

Joel Embiid was far and away the favorite in ESPN’s initial straw poll for 2023-24 NBA MVP, but two Timberwolves — Gobert and Anthony Edwards — were among 12 total vote getters.

ESPN MVP insiders were asked for the straw poll to rank their top MVP candidates from 1-5, and Embiid ran away with 63 first-place votes among 100 voters. Nikola Jokic was second in the running with 21 first-place votes.

Edwards was tied for eighth among the 12 vote getters, receiving three third-place votes and two fifth-fifth place votes. Gobert received one fifth-place vote.

Edwards is currently averaging 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field. He leads Minnesota in scoring and is a big part of the reason why the Wolves have jumped out to a franchise-best 20-6 start.

Gobert is averaging 12.4 points, 12 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 assists for the Wolves. Putting him among MVP candidates may be a stretch, but he’s certainly among the leading contenders for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. 

Rudy Gobert's 64-hour darkness retreat sparked his vision for Wolves defense

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) is held back by guard Anthony Edwards (1) after receiving a technical foul in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Game 2 of their first-round playoff series in Denver on April 19, 2023 :: Isaiah J. Downing / USA TODAY Sports