As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to build momentum in the MVP race, it’s clear that he has garnered robust support from his fellow NBA players. Particularly in the lead-up to the playoffs, there’s a growing consensus among them that he deserves the prestigious award over past winner Nikola Jokic.
Ahead of the LA Clippers’ showdown with the Denver Nuggets in Round 1 of the 2025 NBA playoffs, veteran guard James Harden shared his thoughts with Fox Sports’ Rachel Nichols, making a compelling case for Gilgeous-Alexander. When confronted with the question of who the best player is, Harden acknowledged Jokic’s elite status but highlighted the collective desire among players for Shai to clinch the MVP title. “All the players want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning,” Harden noted, suggesting that this camaraderie and appreciation for his achievements resonate deeply within the league.
This sentiment is crucial, especially when weighing the early voting results that showcase the Thunder’s remarkable regular season. With an impressive 68-14 record and an all-time best point differential, Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32-point scoring average stands out as a monumental achievement. It’s not just about his individual brilliance; it’s about how it translates into team success. It’s easy to build a compelling case for him as a worthy recipient of the MVP award, particularly when viewed through the lens of his contributions to a historically significant season.
Harden himself has navigated his fair share of MVP races, routinely finding himself in the conversation during his prolific years with the Houston Rockets. His eventual victory in 2018, which came on the heels of a 65-win season coupled with a 30-point scoring average, is a narrative that parallels Gilgeous-Alexander’s current journey. The similarities are striking—both players not only average around 30 points per game but also serve as the heartbeat of their respective offenses, showcasing dominance that has become a hallmark of their styles.
As the MVP race heats up, the support for Gilgeous-Alexander from his peers highlights an underlying truth in sports: individual accolades are often tied to a player’s ability to uplift their team. The path that many support for Gilgeous-Alexander could prove to be a significant part of his legacy as well, illustrating how winning and performance mesh together in the eyes of those who matter most—his fellow competitors.
