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The MVP race has been closer than many expected. While players like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic were expected to lead the MVP race, the Oklahoma City Thunder have shocked the NBA this season by being one of the best teams in the league, which has now propelled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the MVP conversation.

As most teams have currently played over 30 games, it is easy to examine the actual chances of a player’s MVP case. While the discussion was going on in a recent episode of The Old Man and The Three Things podcast, JJ Redick broke down the bold prediction made by Steve Jones Jr. of having Shai as the 2024 NBA MVP.

Let’s sort of breakdown. Because I think Shai obviously has a case right now for MVP. Let’s break down what it would take outside of the split vote with Jokic and Embiid and the discourse around that. I think OKC likely would have to be in the top 2 in the west,” said the former Orlando Magic player.

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A few things have to align for Gilgeous-Alexander to win the MVP award. Firstly, the Thunder have to maintain their consistency. The team is currently second in the west, and Redick believes that they have to stay in the top 3 for the voters to lean towards Shai.

Since players like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo might not receive as many votes as in previous years as they are sharing the court with other superstars, Jokic and Embiid are currently leading the race. But since the two are currently playing at such a high level, Redick believes that all the voters would not pick a single player, and hence the votes would get split between the two. This will provide the right opportunity for Shai. Even Jokic has acknowledged Shai as a threat.

Shai might just get the edge over the two big men if they, in fact, split the votes, and this is how Redick believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can win the 2023–24 NBA MVP award.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been having another historic season

The entire NBA is noticing the Thunder. With Chet Holmgren making his NBA debut along with their other young stars taking a leap, the team has turned out to be one of the best in the NBA.

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But the player that helps them close out games while also being extremely dependable at all times is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Shai has not done anything exceptional this year that he hadn’t done in the previous season. His scoring remains almost identical, but his assists and rebounds have gone up.

But since the team is now winning with him maintaining his production from previous seasons, the eyes are now on OKC. This has led to fans and media introducing Shai into the MVP debates, and only time will tell if he can outrun the other superstars in the NBA.

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What do you think of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s chances of winning the MVP award? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!