The NBA season is heating up, and so is the race for the coveted MVP title. Fans are buzzing, debating who might take home the honor this year. Will it be the ever-dominant LeBron James? Perhaps Nikola Jokic will make history with a fourth MVP win. Or maybe, just maybe, someone fresh will steal the spotlight. Charles Barkley seems to have already made up his mind. Interestingly, his pick sounds eerily similar to a claim Shaquille O’Neal made just a year ago—a claim that stirred the pot back then and promises to do so again now.

The MVP debate picked up steam during the latest Inside the NBA episode. While the usual suspects like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic were tossed around, Charles Barkley cut through the chatter with a bold choice: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“You know, the thing that’s amazing, this guy’s probably the best player in the world. I mean, he’s just ridiculous. I mean, amazing,” Chuck said. “He’s just great. Everything about him. But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to win that MVP this year.”

As far as wild takes go, Charles Barkley might not be too far off. According to NBA reports, Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the MVP race. The Thunder star is averaging a jaw-dropping 31.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Defensively, he’s been an absolute force—racking up two steals per game with multiple 4- and 5-steal performances. Among guards, he even ranks second in total blocks, proving his all-around dominance.

Meanwhile, Jokic is lurking close behind with his own eye-popping numbers—30.7 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. The Serbian superstar seems determined to hold onto his MVP title. But if he does, you can bet Barkley—just like Shaq last year—won’t be thrilled with the outcome.

Chuck might follow Shaq’s fate

When Nikola Jokic claimed the 2024 NBA MVP title, Shaquille O’Neal didn’t mince his words. The legendary big man was vocal about his disagreement, believing the honor should have gone to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander instead. “I don’t like to rain on people’s parade, but I’m not happy with this one,” Shaq said on Inside the NBA.

“Congratulations to Joker, you are the best big man in the league,” O’Neal said, acknowledging Jokic’s dominance. “But, based on everybody’s criteria… stats, No. 1 seed, which team has the better record? I felt Shai [Gilgeous]-Alexander deserved it.”

Shaq empathized with SGA’s situation, recalling his own frustrations of finishing second in the MVP race. “I know this is going to be hurtful for him. Hopefully, he uses it to motivate him and win a championship,” he said, hinting at the brighter days ahead for the young Thunder star.

Interestingly, Shaq has been singing Shai’s praises since January 2024, well before the MVP chatter hit its peak.

After the MVP announcement, he highlighted SGA’s record-breaking 51 games with at least 30 points, the highest in a season since James Harden’s 2018 run. Add averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals, and it’s hard to argue his case wasn’t strong. For good measure, he tied De’Aaron Fox for the most total steals in the league while finishing second to Luka Doncic in total points.

But let’s not forget Jokic’s staggering numbers either—26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game last year, all ranking in the NBA’s top five. The real question remains: Can SGA dethrone Jokic next year, or will the Joker claim his fourth MVP in five seasons? What’s your take?