Thunder: 15x All-Star drops hot take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case

Recently, OKC Thunder stud Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has found himself being undersold by numerous media outlets and personalities, with some going as far as to claim the guard isn't yet worthy of receiving the moniker of "superstar."

Fortunately, strong personalities such as Shaquille O'Neal are looking to end this disparaging chatter once and for all, as the 15-time All-Star and Hall of Fame big went on a tangent during a recent airing of NBA on TNT, suggesting that not only is SGA deserving of the lofty title, but should should also be viewed as the unquestioned favorite to be named league MVP in 2023-24.

Shaq dishes on Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case

"The MVP is SGA. Period... He meets my criteria and everyone else's. He's the baddest player in the game."

- Shaquille O'Neal

Furthering his case for the Thunder star, Shaq would also bring up how he's one of only 13 players in NBA history to have 50 or more 30-point games in a season, grouping in him with all-time legends and past MVP winners such as Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlin, and Kobe Bryant.

On top of these scoring feats, Gilgeous-Alexander is simply putting forth one of the greatest all-around campaigns in league history, as he finds himself legitimately in the running to become just the second player to average at least 31.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 50 percent or better from the floor.

The only other player to accomplish such a feat: Michael Jordan.

While some may still be considering other options for this year's MVP award, with odds-makers still currently having Nikola Jokic appearing as the favorite for the prized accolade, Diesel and the rest of Thunder nation are convinced that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the most deserving to take home the hardware.

Period!