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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already established himself as one of basketball’s elite performers, having won two consecutive MVP awards and claiming the Finals MVP in 2025. At just 28 years old, the Canadian star appears poised for continued success alongside the Thunder’s talented roster. However, according to prominent NBA analyst Brian Windhorst, a third consecutive MVP award may prove nearly impossible to achieve.
During an appearance on the Hoop Collective show, Windhorst explained that voters traditionally raise their standards significantly when evaluating candidates seeking a third straight MVP honor. He pointed to historical precedent, noting that Larry Bird was the last player to accomplish this feat. Windhorst also referenced contested MVP races involving Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, highlighting how controversial voting becomes when players pursue their third consecutive award. Additionally, he suggested that LeBron James lost out to Derrick Rose in a similarly disputed decision.
Early predictions for the 2026-27 season suggest skepticism about Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP chances. ESPN’s ranking places him fourth in the voting race, behind San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, and Los Angeles’ Luka Doncic. Despite this, oddsmakers consider the Thunder championship favorites alongside the Spurs, suggesting the team’s championship window remains wide open.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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