In the NBA landscape, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a standout player, excelling both individually and as a key figure in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success. At 25 years old, Shai’s impressive stats and leadership make him a rising contender in the MVP race, challenging established superstars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum. The combination of Shai’s personal performance and the team’s achievements positions him as a frontrunner for the MVP title, creating the possibility of securing the award either this season or in the upcoming 2025 season.
Why Shai Can Get An MVP Before Luka Doncic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force to be reckoned with this NBA season, showcasing an impressive all-around performance. In 42 games, he has averaged an astounding 31.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. In addition to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar individual performance, his impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s overall team success further solidifies his case for potential MVP honors. The team’s position as the 1st seed in the highly competitive Western Conference, boasting a notable record of 30-13, significantly enhances Shai’s MVP narrative.
While Luka Doncic‘s statistics are undeniably impressive, with 33.6 points, 9.3 assists, and 8.5 rebounds per game in 36 appearances, the Mavericks find themselves in a less favorable position, currently sitting at the 8th spot with a 24-19 record. This stark contrast in team performance becomes a crucial factor in the MVP race, where individual brilliance must be complemented by team success.
The disparity in team standings introduces a compelling narrative for Shai’s MVP candidacy. The Thunder’s success, achieved with Shai as their primary catalyst, underscores his ability to not only deliver exceptional individual performances but also elevate his team to playoff contention. In contrast, Luka’s Mavericks, despite his outstanding numbers, grapple with a lower seed and a less favorable win-loss record.
Moreover, the dynamics of Luka sharing the court with Kyrie Irving, an established All-Star, may contribute to the perception of a more collaborative effort in Dallas. In contrast, Shai’s leadership role in a team that has consistently outperformed expectations reinforces the narrative of him being the driving force behind the Thunder’s success.
Why Shai Can Get An MVP Before Jayson Tatum
Delving deeper into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential MVP candidacy, a critical comparison arises between him and Jayson Tatum, who stands as a formidable competitor for the prestigious award. Tatum’s numbers of 27.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in 41 appearances for the Boston Celtics certainly make him a standout player. However, the narrative becomes more intriguing when considering the dynamics within the Celtics’ roster and the impact on Tatum’s MVP prospects.
The Celtics find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference with an impressive record of 34-10, showcasing their prowess as a collective unit. Tatum is surrounded by talented teammates, including Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, reminiscent of the situation when Stephen Curry joined forces with Kevin Durant on the Golden State Warriors.
While the Celtics’ success is undoubtedly a testament to their well-rounded team, it introduces an interesting dilemma for Tatum’s MVP aspirations. The presence of multiple high-caliber players on the roster may lead some voters to question the extent of Tatum’s individual impact on the team’s success. In contrast, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as the undisputed leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder, shouldering a significant burden and propelling his team to a prominent position in the Western Conference.
Furthermore, the perception of a team being exceptionally strong may work against an individual player when it comes to MVP voting. In Tatum’s case, the Celtics’ stellar performance might inadvertently overshadow his contributions, with voters potentially attributing the team’s success to collective excellence rather than Tatum’s brilliance.
Crucially, when scrutinizing the statistical comparison between Shai and Tatum, Shai maintains an edge with superior numbers across various categories. Shai’s 31.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game outshine Tatum’s statistics, providing a compelling argument for Shai’s individual excellence.
Shai Can Even Win An MVP This Season
The race for the MVP title becomes even more intriguing when considering the potential scenarios that could elevate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the forefront of contention. One significant factor that could swing the odds in Shai’s favor is the eligibility rule concerning the number of games played, particularly in relation to Joel Embiid’s current status.
Joel Embiid, a dominant force for the Philadelphia 76ers, has already missed 10 games, bringing into question his eligibility for end-of-season awards. According to NBA regulations, players must participate in at least 65 games to be considered for such accolades. With Embiid having played only 32 games this season, the door is open for Shai to capitalize on this situation.
Embiid’s incredible performance, with averages of 36.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, undoubtedly places him among the top MVP contenders. However, if he fails to meet the eligibility requirement due to missing additional games, Shai can gain a substantial edge in the race.
Moreover, Shai’s path to the MVP could further materialize if the Oklahoma City Thunder secure the coveted 1st seed and emerge as the best team in the league. While this is an attainable goal, the formidable Boston Celtics present a potential obstacle in this scenario. Nevertheless, if the Thunder outperform expectations and establish themselves as the premier team, Shai’s individual contributions would be magnified.
To further bolster Shai’s case, attention turns to Nikola Jokic, another strong contender for the MVP. Shai can potentially become the public favorite over Jokic if the Thunder not only secure the top seed but also position themselves as the league’s most formidable team. Jokic’s standing as a competitor is influenced by various factors, including the Denver Nuggets’ performance and the potential for Jokic to rest during the last stretch of the season.
A Big Candidate For Next Season
Looking ahead to the future, the Oklahoma City Thunder, under the leadership of the dynamic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are emerging as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. The team’s youthful core, including rising stars like Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, paints a promising picture for the franchise’s trajectory. This collective talent has propelled the Thunder to the summit of the Western Conference, with a looming threat of securing the top spot as they approach the postseason.
The composition of this young and talented roster, guided by the 25-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forms the foundation for their current success and sets the stage for future dominance. As the team continues to compete at a high level and threaten the upper echelons of the league, Shai’s leadership becomes increasingly pivotal. The combination of his on-court excellence and the development of the Thunder’s deep and skilled roster positions Shai as a significant contender for the MVP in the upcoming 2025 season.
Looking forward, the trajectory of the Oklahoma City Thunder suggests that they will remain in contention for top playoff spots. The youthful energy and depth of the roster contribute significantly to the team’s success, providing Shai with ample support and opportunities to showcase his individual brilliance. As Shai continues to refine his skills and elevate his game, the anticipation is that his numbers will only improve, solidifying his place as a standout player in the league.
