There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, with many declaring it already in the hands of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the extraordinary force behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. They cite his impressive statistics, rising voter fatigue, an engaging narrative, and his team’s strong performance as indicators that his MVP win is inevitable.
However, dialogues with potential voters and feedback from NBA insiders—including former players, esteemed legends, general managers, and scouts—reveal a more intricate situation. The competition between SGA and Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets is still very much alive, and voters may face a difficult decision in the weeks to come.
Many media professionals and influential figures in the NBA are finding it challenging to pick between the two players if the voting were to take place today. It’s crucial to note that there’s no discredit towards SGA’s outstanding season and his solid MVP credentials. He is indeed a superstar, leading the league with 33 points per game, and his pivotal role in OKC’s success cannot be overstated.
Bookmakers agree with the hype, placing his chances at a staggering -850 for the MVP award. The prevailing narrative seems to solidify this belief further, presenting SGA as the clear favorite for the MVP title.
Even a recent ESPN straw poll confirmed SGA’s status as a leading candidate, frequently referenced as evidence that the MVP trophy is heading to the OKC point guard. Yet, the NBA landscape can shift rapidly.
I am one of this year’s official voters, and I am currently inclined towards Jokić as my choice. Although his odds aren’t favorable at 4-to-1 or 5-to-1, that perception feels somewhat disconnected from the league’s actual dynamics. As one possible voter remarked, “This thing is so close it’s painful.” A recent quick survey conducted among writers showed Jokić leading 5-2, with several media members expressing the same notion of an exceedingly tight race.
Both SGA and Jokić deserve the MVP award this season, and their performances leave voters with the tough task of choosing. Insights drawn from discussions within the NBA community reflect the complexity of this year’s MVP contest. Voter opinions vary widely, illustrating just how finely poised the race between SGA and Jokić remains.
