What Happened
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, is currently leading the MVP race according to a recent straw poll conducted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. This positions him as a strong contender to become the seventh player this century to win back-to-back MVP awards, joining the ranks of notable players such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Why It Matters
Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has sparked discussions about his place among the league’s elite players. He is frequently mentioned in conversations about the best player in the league, alongside stars like Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama. His former teammate, Chris Paul, recently expressed a preference for Gilgeous-Alexander over Doncic, highlighting his impact on the game.
What’s Next
As the season progresses, Gilgeous-Alexander’s eligibility for the MVP award may be at risk due to an abdominal strain that has sidelined him since February 3. He has already missed 16 games this season and must remain healthy to meet the 65-game threshold required for MVP consideration. Currently, he is favored to win the MVP on FanDuel, with an implied probability of 59.18%.
