After earning the No. 1 seed in the West last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder are having another phenomenal campaign. Nearly halfway through the season, they are 30-6. Prior to their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they were on a 15-game winning streak. As it stands, they are easily the best team in the West and potentially the best team in the league. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are arguably the most complete team in basketball. They rank as the best defensive team in the league and the seventh-best offensive team. As it stands, it seems that at least an NBA Finals appearance in the near future is inevitable for Oklahoma City. However, something to keep in mind is that Gilgeous-Alexander has just two years left on his contract after this season. Nonetheless, after his recent comments, Thunder fans likely have nothing to worry about.
The Canadian native spoke about his love for Oklahoma City and the Thunder organization. Furthermore, he made it clear he hopes to remain with the Thunder for the rest of his career (subscription required).
“I can only speak for myself. I love Oklahoma City and I can’t see a world where I’m not in Oklahoma City,” he said. “I’m comfortable where I am. I like where I am. I love the people in the organization, love the people around me, and those are the things that matter. “I go to work every day with a smile on my face. Me personally, the market doesn’t matter. The money doesn’t matter to a certain extent. But as long as I enjoy what I’m doing at a very high level, I love the people that I’m around doing it.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gives Decisive Answer About Future With Thunder
Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s MVP Case
The Thunder’s fantastic season is in large part due to Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance on the court. After finishing as the runner-up for the MVP award last season, Gilgeous-Alexander is in a good position to break through and take the award home this year.
Through 36 games, the Kentucky alum is averaging 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2 steals. Additionally, he is shooting 52.2% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc. According to ESPN BET, Gilgeous-Alexander (-150) is the betting favorite to win the award this year. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama round out the rest of the top five.
Furthermore, the Thunder guard is getting love from his opponents as well. Ia loss to the Thunder last week, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards campaigned for Gilgeous-Alexander to be the MVP this year.
“I don’t know if they could give it to [Jokic] again,” said Edwards, who had 20 points in the loss. “Yeah, I would say Shai. Yeah, he’s looking like the MVP, man. He was incredible once again tonight.
A lot can happen before the end of the season. However, as it currently stands, there is no reason to believe Gilgeous-Alexander will not be a legitimate candidate for the MVP award when the season comes to an end.
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