default title

Former NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony has openly declared Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his pick for the 2025-26 NBA MVP award, emphasizing that the true value of a player extends beyond mere statistics. Anthony highlighted the Oklahoma City Thunder's sustained excellence, following their 2025 NBA championship, as a key factor in Gilgeous-Alexander's compelling case, especially given the Thunder's current top-tier status in the league. This endorsement from a respected veteran player like Anthony adds significant weight to the ongoing MVP discussion, shifting the focus from purely analytical data to the comprehensive impact a player has on their team's success and the perceptions of their peers.

Anthony elaborated on his perspective during his '7PM in Brooklyn' podcast, explaining that professional athletes often have a different understanding of who truly deserves the MVP title compared to media analysts. He asserted that players recognize the nuances of competition, including how opponents strategize and perform against certain individuals. This insider's view, according to Anthony, allows players to discern a player's true influence beyond what can be captured by conventional metrics or media narratives. His comments suggest a belief that while statistics provide a framework, the unquantifiable aspects of leadership, competitive spirit, and overall team elevation are equally, if not more, crucial in identifying an MVP.

Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive statistics this season certainly bolster his MVP credentials. He is currently averaging 31.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, showcasing a remarkable blend of scoring prowess and playmaking ability. These numbers are a testament to his consistent high-level performance and his integral role in the Thunder's offensive scheme. Furthermore, the Oklahoma City Thunder's continued dominance, building upon their championship success from the previous year, provides a strong team context for Gilgeous-Alexander's individual achievements. Their sustained position at the top of the league standings underscores his impact as the leader of a championship-caliber team.

The Thunder's strong performance, culminating in them being the first team to secure a playoff spot this season, further solidifies Gilgeous-Alexander's claim. His individual milestones, such as extending his streak of 20+ point games to 131, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's record, highlight his exceptional consistency and scoring ability. Anthony's argument posits that when a player's individual brilliance directly translates into team success, as is the case with Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, the MVP choice becomes unequivocally clear. He believes that Gilgeous-Alexander embodies the qualities of a true MVP, leading the best team in the NBA as its most impactful player.

The discussion surrounding the NBA MVP award frequently balances individual statistics with team performance and a player's overall influence. Carmelo Anthony's staunch support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander underscores a prevailing sentiment among many players that a truly valuable player's impact transcends simple numbers, encompassing their leadership, competitive drive, and their ability to elevate their team to elite status. This viewpoint emphasizes the holistic contribution of an athlete to their team's success and the league as a whole, providing a compelling argument for Gilgeous-Alexander's deservingness of the prestigious award.