"I got a problem" - NBA analyst justifies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trailing Nikola Jokic in MVP race

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets - Source: Imagn
NBA analyst justifies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trailing Nikola Jokic in MVP race (Photo Credit: Imagn)

For a second straight season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finds himself front and center in the MVP conversation. While many feel he's emerged as the frontrunner, one analyst isn't ready to crown him just yet.

Through the first two months of the season, SGA has been the best player on one of the best teams. The All-Star guard is posting averages of 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 steals and 2.0 steals. Moreover, the OKC Thunder are first in the Western Conference at 30-5 and riding a 15-game winning streak.

On NBA TV, analyst Shaun Powell gave his thoughts on the MVP race. He praised Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his play but still has him behind Nikola Jokic.

"Shai if you look at him during this winng streak, he's leading his team in scoring pretty much every night," Powell said. "I got a problem. I'm not ready to put him at No. 1 yet.

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"Jokic, he's playing at a historic level. That's going to be very tough for him."

Fresh off winning his third MVP, Jokic has taken his game to a new level. The Denver Nuggets star is averaging 31.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 9.7 assists.


Anthony Edwards feels Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is worthy of MVP

While some analysts are hesitant to put Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of the MVP ladder, players around the NBA feel differently. Last week, Anthony Edwards explained why he feels the OKC Thunder guard is more than deserving.

Among the teams the Thunder have taken down during their impressive winning streak is the Minnesota Timberwolves. SGA played a big role in the victory, erupting for 40 points.

Edwards had high praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Not only did he pick him for MVP this year but he feels SGA should have beat out Nikola Jokic last year as well.

"I don't know if they could give it to [Jokic] again," said Edwards. "Yeah, I would say Shai. Yeah, he's looking like the MVP, man. He was incredible once again tonight.
I hope they give [MVP] to him this year for sure. I feel like he should have won it last year, but he's playing out his mind right now."

While there's still a lot of basketball to be played, SGA is more than deserving of being the favorite for MVP right now. He continues to put up impressive numbers, is impactful on both ends of the floor, and his play is leading to wins for the Thunder.

As long as he keeps pace and the Thunder stay atop the standings, Gilgeous-Alexander should edge out Jokic this time.

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Edited by Kevin McCormick
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