NBA writer compares MVP to Michael Jordan

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 9:33 PM ET

The 2025-26 NBA regular season is wrapping up in a few weeks and as expected, the Oklahoma City Thunder are again the favorites to win it all this year. If they do make a run, it will be on the back of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The star guard is averaging 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game this season. He’s the front runner for the MVP award once again this year and has emerged as one of the best players in the league. But one NBA writer is taking it to a high level in terms of praise for the reining MVP and he is comparing him to the all-time GOAT.

Zach Lowe has Michael Jordan comparison for SGA

Mar 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots as Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

During a recent segment on “The Zach Lowe Show”, NBA writer Zach Lowe praised SGA and his ability to dominate games. He noted just how consistent he is in terms of the level of efficiency. Lowe made the case as to why SGA is his MVP.

From there, he brought up Jordan.

“I think Shai is the MVP. I don’t even care if the Spurs pass the Thunder,” Lowe said. ” … I think Shai, first of all—again, boring—he’s played 400 more minutes than Wembanyama. That’s a lot of minutes, and he’s doing that without playing fourth quarters in like 20 games because they’re ahead by so many. They both elevate their teams—Wembanyama’s on-off is from neutral to incredible, Shai’s on-off is from pretty good to incredible. The incredible part matters more to me than where the off-court number is. It’s like, are you elevating your team to, ‘Holy sh**, this is a machine’? That’s Shai.

“Clutch numbers are outrageous, and this is Jordan, but in the modern era. That’s how good he is offensively, and I just think you put all that together, he’s the MVP for me.”

There’s no doubt SGA is playing at a high level again this year. He’s aiming to be the first player to win MVP in consecutive seasons since Nikola Jokic in 2021 and 2022.

But Lowe’s words didn’t sit well with everyone.