The NBA is changing
The 2024-25 NBA season has been one to remember, whether it be the tall guards, athletic guards, shooting centers and shifty forwards. The league’s game play has definitely evolved over the years and players have developed new play styles that are different than ever before. Players like San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porizingus and Oklahoma City Thunder sophomore Chet Holmgren, are all examples of how different the new era of the NBA is going to be.
SGA and the OKC Thunder breakout season
Shai has been the most consistent player in the league this year, and so has the rest of the Thunder. According to espn.com, Shai has averaged 32.8 points per game 5.1 rebounds per game and 6.2 assists per game. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on many winning streaks including the most recent 7 game streak that was just ended by Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Their biggest streak this season was 15 straight games. As of now their record is standing at (54-12). Standing at first in the Northwest Division, they are looking like a very strong team coming into the playoffs. They have the second best record in the NBA right now behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (55-10).
Mvp Contenders
The last few years have been the same people in the top 5 contenders for MVP. Such as Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But this year there are two new faces, Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. They both deserved their spots, as Shai stands at first place in the MVP race, and Tatum stands at number 3 behind the 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Tatum is in front of 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Oakmont sophomore Jace Lemay shares his MVP pick, “I think Nikola Jokic should be the MVP this season because of his insane statistics and he is in the top 10 of multiple different categories, he is having another historical season deserving of the Michael Jordan MVP award.” Lemay had a great point stating that Jokic has incredible stats, Nikola has been averaging a triple double this season becoming one of the only 3 centers in NBA history to do so.
Contenders and Averages:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- 32.8 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, 6.2 assists, 1.8 steals per game, 1.0 blocks per game
Nikola Jokic- 29.0 points per game, 12.9 rebounds per game, 10.4 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game, 0.7 blocks per game
Jayson Tatum- 27.2 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game, 1.1 steals per game, 0.5 blocks per game
Giannis Antetokounmpo- 30.5 points per game, 12.1 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game, 0.8 steals per game, 1.2 blocks per game
Oakmont freshman Anthony Chanes shares his thoughts on who he thinks will win MVP, “I think it will be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander because he averages over 30 points per game and he is the best player in the league right now.” Shai is first in the NBA in scoring and first in the MVP race, backing up Chanes’s statement.
Best chance at the Michael Jordan MVP Trophy?
Right now it is definitely between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Shai has averaged 32.8 points (first in the NBA), while still playing defense averaging 1.8 steals and 1 block. According to espn.com, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on clear odds to win MVP, which would be his first. Shai is at (-550) to win MVP, while Jokic is at (+350). Leaving Shai so far as a clear winner of the Michael Jordan MVP trophy.
Oakmont sophomore Brayden Nally sums it all up the best by saying, “I think Shai will win MVP because of the numbers he is putting up as well as his versatility and ability to score and assist at any level.”
