Rival Players Weigh In on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Pursuit
The 2026 NBA MVP race is heating up, with players revealing their clear pick for the honor. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star point guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has emerged as the consensus favorite among his peers.
Players Prefer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP
A recent poll by The Athletic included responses from 159 anonymous NBA players. Of those surveyed, 39.0% selected Gilgeous-Alexander as their choice for the Michael Jordan Trophy. His closest competitor, Nikola Jokic, received 21.4% of the votes, trailing by nearly 20 percentage points. Meanwhile, highly-touted rookie Victor Wembanyama was a distant third with only 5.0% of the votes.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Impressive Season Stats
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander ranks second in the league in scoring, averaging 31.1 points per game. His shooting percentage of 55.3% showcases his efficiency. He also contributes significantly in other areas, averaging:
- 6.6 assists
- 4.3 rebounds
- 1.4 steals
These statistics have helped the Thunder secure a seventh-place ranking in offensive efficiency, with an offensive rating of 117.9. Remarkably, they also hold the top spot in defensive rating (105.9) and winning percentage at .800.
Consistency as a Key Factor
Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency has been a standout feature of his season. He has maintained a streak of scoring at least 20 points in multiple consecutive games. Notably, he recently surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for consecutive games scoring 20 points with a minimum of 50% shooting from the floor. This achievement has not gone unnoticed by his supporters, who emphasize his reliability even amidst significant team injuries.
Wide Support Among Peers
Support for Gilgeous-Alexander is strong. One of his backers in the poll remarked, “He’s the best player on the best team… What more do you have to say?” This sentiment reflects the general consensus, indicating that both players and fans see him as the frontrunner for MVP.
Potential Historic Accomplishment
If Gilgeous-Alexander captures the MVP award this year, he will become just the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone in the league’s nearly 80-year existence. With both player support and favorable betting odds, the path looks promising for the Thunder’s standout player.
As the NBA season progresses, all eyes are on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP pursuit, making it one of the most talked-about topics in basketball today.
