Angelica Ciulla •April 06, 2026 10:40 AM EDT

Angelica Ciulla • April 06, 2026 10:40 APM EDT Why should Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win the MVP award?

Why Shai?

 As we wind down the 2025-2026 season, the NBA likes to push MVP narratives throughout the media. The MVP is a title given to honor the athlete who is a huge contributing factor to his team’s success, providing leadership, elite stats, and consistency in every game. This is why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been such a comfortable MVP pick for most of this season. Shai is averaging 31 points per game, 6.5 assists, and 55% shooting, all while the Oklahoma City Thunder hold a 62-16 record this season, in 1st in the Western Conference. Looking at these stats, you would think he’s a shoo-in for the MVP award. The real question isn’t if Shai has had a great season; there’s no doubt that he has, but is he really the most valuable player? That’s where the evidence of his case falls apart. 

A huge portion of Shai’s scoring comes from free throws. He averages about 8 points from the free throw line per game, meaning about 26% of his scoring comes from free throws. That plays a huge role in his stats, especially when you consider his playing style, which forces defenders to sweat out every light contact in fear it’ll be a whistle. Here’s where my real issue comes in.

People commonly think, “Only 26% of his points are free throws, so the rest still count,” and yes, that is true; however, when a scorer gets a whistle that often, it changes how defenders are able to play against him. Defenders are not going to pressure him aggressively, challenge as often, or contest as hard, knowing there’s a good chance they’re going to get called for a foul, so no one is bodying up Shai nearly as much as other shooters. Once that presence is set in the game, the floor is open. In other words, the amount of fouls he gets in his favor leads to making the other points easier to get. Don’t get me wrong, that is great, legal basketball and an intimidation tactic that will always work, but is this what the MVP is all about?

On the other hand, Jaylen Brown has carried a much heavier burden, making him a stronger contender for the MVP. Jaylen is averaging 28.7 points per game with 5.2 assists and 47% shooting, leading his team to be 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Jayson Tatum has only played 13 games this season due to an Achilles tear he suffered in the 2024-2025 playoffs, so the Celtics weren’t their usual “stacked” team. In the preseason, the Celtics were projected to take a huge dip and miss the playoffs, but Jaylen Brown put the team on his back and led them all the way to being 2nd in the East and heading to the playoffs once again. Jaylen Brown had to take on a leadership role and become what the organization needed. When they fell, he picked them up. That is the real value of the MVP.

Another strong contender is Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is averaging 24.9 points per game with 3.1 assists and 50.9% shooting, leading his team to be 2nd in the Western Conference. Up until recently, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was winning the MVP race, but that has recently changed as Victor Wembanyama has pulled ahead. Wemby isn’t just about stats; he has changed the game on both sides of the court. His ability to protect the rim, score efficiently, rebound, and his impressive mobility at his size makes him a rarity. He won the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for March and is the main reason why the Spurs are in as good a playoff position as they are. He has completely turned that team around and put forth great effort every time he steps on that court, making his case for MVP.

The MVP isn’t just about who has the best stats. It’s about who has the leadership, impact, and ability to carry their team when it matters most, and personally, I don’t think Shai is the answer to that. Shai does deserve credit for all the greatness he has brought to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Jaylen Brown and Victor Wembanyama fit the MVP profile better. Too many people see 31 points per game and 1st place team and stop there in the conversation. No one talks about the effects foul-heavy scoring can have on the game by changing the defensive behaviors or how players like Jaylen Brown and Victor Wembanyama have carried their teams in completely different ways than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If the MVP is really about value, like they claim, Brown and Wemby deserve respect and praise. So, I ask again: Why Shai? 

Edited by

Angelica Ciulla

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