Mussatto: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is building an MVP case. OKC Thunder star worth of vote
When defenders think they have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trapped, SGA dips into his deep bag of tricks. With a slip or a spin, a shot fake or a step through, Gilgeous-Alexander proves time and again that he’s unguardable. Ungraspable.
The same goes for his career arc. Think he can’t be a No. 1 option? Think again. Think last year was his peak? Good one. The 25-year-old keeps proving us wrong.
Let’s look at where SGA stands in the MVP race through the first quarter of the NBA season.
Coming off a fifth-place MVP finish last season, SGA has been even better this season through the Thunder’s 14-7 start heading into play Monday.
SGA 2022-23: 68 games, 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, 1.6 steals, 51 FG%, 35 3FG%, 91 FT%
SGA 2023-24: 20 games, 30.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, 2.8 steals, 54 FG%, 35 3FG%, 91 FT%
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His scoring is slightly down (expected given the addition of Chet Holmgren and better all-around roster), but his efficiency is up. His rebounds and assists are also up, and his blocks have held steady.
But take a look at the increase in steals. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA with 2.8 steals per game. He’s a legitimate All-Defensive team candidate.
Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander finished fifth in MVP voting despite the Thunder (40-42) having a losing record. Gilgeous-Alexander was rightfully credited for the Thunder wildly exceeding expectations, but MVPs come from better teams — like this Thunder squad.
The MVP race through the quarter pole is stacked with a half-dozen players having a reasonable claim. Some will tail off and those who don’t meet the 65-game minimum will be eliminated from contention.
But as of now, it’s wide open.
Every MVP voter submits a five-man ballot. Here’s what mine would look like today.
More: OKC Thunder has homecourt advantage against nearly every NBA team at Paycom Center
1. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
The two-time MVP is averaging 28.4 points, a league-high 13.0 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game. His field goal percentage is way down — from 63% last season to 53% this season — but that’s a product of him attempting six more shots per game this season. Jokic has shouldered a bigger scoring burden with running mate Jamal Murray out.
2. Joel Embiid, 76ers
The reigning MVP is building quite the campaign to go back-to-back. Embiid leads the NBA in scoring with 33.3 points per game. This would be his third straight scoring title. He’s also averaging 11.5 rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists all while being a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The assists really jump out. With James Harden out of Philadelphia, Embiid has acted as an offensive hub, complemented by Tyrese Maxey’s breakout season.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander ranks sixth in points and first in steals. He’s the only player averaging more than two steals per game, and he’s almost at three (2.8). Offensively, he continues to terrorize defenses at the rim, where he’s shooting 71%. He’s leading the league in drives for the fourth straight season.
More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 points, leads OKC Thunder in rout of shorthanded Jazz
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
The two-time MVP is averaging 30.5 points while shooting a career-high 61%. Things have been rocky in Milwaukee under first-year coach Adrian Griffin, but Antetokounmpo remains a freak.
5. LeBron James, Lakers
I mean, this is crazy. James, who turns 39 later this month, was just named MVP of the inaugural In-Season Tournament. He’s shooting 55% from the field, his highest mark since the Miami days, and he’s at 41% from 3-point range, which would be a career high. He’s averaging 25 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists. James is on track for his 20th All-Star appearance, and he’s making a real run at what would be his fifth MVP.
Honorable mentions: Stephen Curry (Warriors), Luka Doncic (Mavericks), Kevin Durant (Suns), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics).
MVP odds on FanDuel as of Monday: Jokic (+185), Doncic (+430), Embiid (+650), Gilgeous-Alexander (+800), Antetokounmpo (+1200), Tatum (+1400), Haliburton (+1500).
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at jmussatto@oklahoman.com. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Where OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands in NBA MVP race
