The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP Disrespect Just Got Real

While the rest of Oklahoma City struggled, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped one of his best games of the season. The reigning MVP was making one bucket after another. He scored 33 points on an efficient 10-12 shooting, including three out of four threes attempted. SGA also had two steals, which is just a casual night for him.

Yet, somehow, he still dropped to second in the MVP race. If we’re going to dig deeper into consistency, then look no further than how the MVP race has been for the whole year. For the first three months, it was SGA and Nikola Jokic locked up, with SGA taking the upper hand.

Then there’s the sudden rise of Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. Despite OKC being plagued with injuries, SGA still maintained the lead heading into the All-Star Break. Even Boston’s Jaylen Brown could not budge Gilgeous-Alexander’s hold at the top. Of course, one can also remember Luka Doncic’s historic scoring stretch for like a week or more. Many fans even dubbed him the “March Valuable Player” for his antics.

However, then again, neither of these candidates managed to edge SGA out of the top spot. Now heading into the final days of March, somehow, Wembanyama suddenly got the jump.  Consistency has been SGA’s tone in the MVP race, and it is definitely a big thing to consider.

Pleading A Case?

It can be remembered that Wembanyama was asked what his case would be for the MVP. There’s no denying that his defense has been phenomenal. He’s winning the Defensive Player of the Year, no doubt. However, he also pointed out almost sweeping OKC this season. Sure. That does speak for itself. The Spurs won three straight against the Thunder, but lost the final one.

Whatever his case, it does seem that the media took his word for it. Now suddenly he’s a top candidate who may even sway voters. Now this sounds similar, does it? Yes, Joel Embiid won the so-called “sympathy MVP” in 2022-23. He claimed that he’s been playing hard and deserved the MVP. To many fans’ surprise, it did sway a huge portion of voters, and Embiid went on to win the award.

What made it worse is that there were also constant criticisms of Jokic’s game at that time. Now, we’re seeing the same media come up with attacks on SGA’s game, his free throws, his impact on the floor, and so on. And all of a sudden, Wembanyama also comes atop the latest MVP ladder.

SGA Should Be The Unanimous MVP

While the last two games against the Bulls and the Knicks were quite disappointing by SGA’s standards, it goes without saying that he deserves to win the MVP unanimously. He may have some struggles as of late, but MVPs always find a way to contribute and deliver. Gilgeous-Alexander, for what it’s worth, definitely has his MVP case punctuated with his all-around game.

With just three more games left to play before SGA becomes fully eligible for the MVP award, it does seem that he’s locked in to win it all. A sudden candidate jumping into the top spot doesn’t change that. The conversation all season long has been SGA versus every other candidate; there’s no reason it should change now.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves to win this year’s MVP, unanimous or not.