The Oklahoma City Thunder are a historically dominant team this season, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is yet again at the forefront of their push.
As the reigning MVP, he's averaging 32.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while knocking down 42.0 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. On its own, this level of production would be more than enough to earn him consideration for his second-straight MVP award.
However, with the slew of injuries plaguing the NBA at the moment, he could get some additional help in his campaign.
As of right now, Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Dončić are all behind pace to meet the 65-game threshold that the league introduced back in 2023.
As unfortunate as these players' absences might be, they are clearing the path to another MVP season for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Injuries could leave Thunder star as lone deserving MVP candidate
As the early portions of the season took form, it seemed as though the MVP race was going to be yet another tight contest between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, with Wembanyama taking on an improved role as an outside contender.
However, Jokic is now set to miss at least four weeks after suffering from a hyperextended left knee, and Wembanyama can only afford to miss five more games for the remainder of the season.
This likely leaves both players out of consideration for the illustrious honor.
Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, is putting up numbers that come close to surpassing even his historic 2024-25 campaign. Last season, he averaged 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range.
The list of players in NBA history who have won back-to-back MVPs is longer than one might think, as there are 12 total who have accomplished this feat: Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Moses Malone, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Each of these players is either already in the Hall of Fame or is a sure lock for the honor when they retire.
Is Gilgeous-Alexander already deserving of this status? At 27 years old, it will depend on how the remainder of his career plays out. However, earning back-to-back MVP awards would be an almost undeniable accomplishment to peg his case on.
Players such as Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Jalen Brunson still possess an outside chance at the award, given their importance to their respective teams. Assuming Gilgeous-Alexander can stay healthy, however, it will be difficult to deny he is the most deserving candidate.