“He’s in the conversation right now with guys like Luka, Jokic, Embiid” – NBA analyst believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance has leveled him with MVP contenders

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a phenom since the start of the season and his performances have not gone unnoticed. NBA analyst Tim Bontemps said that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in the conversation for MVP.

The OKC Thunder guard has been willing his team to victories this season. He recently knocked down a buzzer-beater against the Washington Wizards to win the game for the Thunder 121-120.

MVP rankings have already started and there have not been many surprises in that regard. Giannis Antetokoumpo has been outstanding, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the second-best record in the league.

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On "The Hoop Collective," the question of whether Gilgeous-Alexander should be included in the MVP race was brought up. Bontemps said:

"An executive texted me last night watching the game. He said there's only one player in the league right now that's definitively been better, in his opinion, than Shai this season, who is Giannis.

"You can argue other people, but again, the fact that we're saying. ... He's in the conversations right now with guys like that. Like Luka, like Tatum, like Jokic, like Embiid. I mean he's playing at that kind of level."

Gilgeous-Alexander is unlikely to be considered for the award, especially if the Thunder does not finish in the top six. Nonetheless, Gilgeous-Alexander has been exceptional and has led the Thunder to a 7-9 record to start the season.

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Bradley Beal had high praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the Wizards' loss

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder.

Up two late in the game, the Wizards were fairly confident they would be adding another win to their tally. But Gilgeous-Alexander had something to say about it. He knocked down a step-back 3-pointer to give OKC a one-point lead.

Speaking post-game, Bradley Beal was asked why Gilgeous-Alexander was tough to guard and he said:

"He's been doing it all year, it's not just us. He's been kicking everybody's a**. He's very crafty. He probably doesn't blow you away with his speed but his change of pace, his ability to be able to cross over, his handles are tight.

"Ultimately, when you're confident in yourself and playing at that level, he don't think anybody can guard him. He really has that mindset, he attacks everybody. ... He got the best of us."

Gilgeous-Alexander registered a season-high 42 points in that game, shooting 63.6% from the field.

Injuries have deterred Gilgeous-Alexander's development since joining the league. Outside of his first two years, the Kentucky product has not played up to 60 games.

The youngster suffered a knee injury during the offseason, and fans were worried about his availability this season. Fortunately, it was not too serious as he was good to go for the season opener and has missed only one game this season.