Overview
- An NBC Sports roundtable published Monday backed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP, pointing to his roughly 350-plus minute edge over Victor Wembanyama, elite scoring efficiency, and Oklahoma City’s league-best wins.
- Yahoo’s latest ranking placed Gilgeous-Alexander No. 1 with the Thunder at 62-16, put Wembanyama No. 2 on the strength of his two-way impact and San Antonio’s 59-19 record, and slotted Nikola Jokic No. 3 despite near triple-double averages.
- Yardbarker argued SGA should win MVP but revisited the separate “best player alive” debate, noting Jokic’s league-leading assists and rebounds per game and Denver’s top-ranked offense as evidence his all-around dominance remains intact.
- Luka Dončić’s hamstring injury ended his regular season after a 600-point March, complicating his case as the NBA’s 65-game eligibility rule reshapes voter choices and leaves several players out of award consideration.
- Bill Simmons floated Spurs guard Stephon Castle for an All-NBA Third Team spot, reflecting how eligibility-driven openings could elevate rising contributors as San Antonio returns to the playoffs behind its young core.