Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s run of dominance has been so relentless that it may now be working against him.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star is coming off a stretch that includes two straight MVPs, an NBA Championship, and the all-time record for most consecutive 20-point games. Since 2023-24, he has put up averages of 31.3 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and just shy of a block. By almost any measure, he has been operating at a level that usually puts a player at the front of every awards conversation.
But ESPN’s latest predictions piece suggests the opposite may happen in 2027. According to the network’s insiders, Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to finish fourth in the MVP race behind Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and projected winner Victor Wembanyama.
That’s the kind of result Brian Windhorst pointed to on the Hoop Collective podcast, where he called Gilgeous-Alexander’s placement “the headline” from the list. Tim MacMahon added, “every time you win it, the bar gets higher.”
And that’s the uncomfortable part for Shai. He already cleared that bar last season. Doing it again, especially for a third straight MVP, would be a different kind of challenge.
History says this sort of thing happens. LeBron James was seen by many as a victim of voter fatigue in 2011 when Derrick Rose won the award, and plenty of people still argue Nikola Jokic should have pulled off a three-peat of his own in 2024-25, though Thunder fans would surely reject that idea.
Three consecutive MVPs remains one of the rarest feats in the league. The last player to do it was Larry Bird from 1984 through 1986.
Even so, Gilgeous-Alexander’s focus appears to be on something bigger than trophies. He and the Thunder are still expected to sit near the top of the West, with FanDuel giving them the best odds to win this year’s title.
If the individual award slips away but Oklahoma City keeps rolling toward a third straight 60-plus win season and another NBA Championship, there’s every reason to believe Gilgeous-Alexander would take that outcome without much complaint.
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Kevin Durants Westbrook Reaction Will Hit Thunder Fans Hard
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Kevin Durants reaction only adds another layer to that history. As Westbrooks former teammate in Oklahoma City, Durant praised his work ethic and acknowledged the bond they built while leading the Thunder, but he also made clear he believed Westbrook still had something left in the tank before choosing to walk away. For a fan base that watched both stars shape the franchises rise, hearing Durant talk about Westbrook this way will land with extra weight. [Read more 🡒]
Jalen Williams Has One Big Job In OKCs Title Push
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The encouraging part for the Thunder is that Williams is expected to come back closer to form in 2026-27, with an offseason focus on getting his body and game right again. He has also been working with the trainer who helps guide Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a sign that Oklahoma City is treating his recovery and next step with real intent. For a team pushing toward another championship run, Williams does not need to become a different player. He just needs to become himself again. [Read more 🡒]
Thunder Title Defense Could Come Down To One Lineup Decision
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The biggest question may not be who starts so much as how the Thunder want to finish and where the shooting comes from when the lineup tightens. Daigneault has options with the returning pieces and the newcomers, but the choices will say a lot about whether Oklahoma City wants maximum spacing, more defense or simply the best blend of trust and versatility when the games get louder in the spring. [Read more 🡒]