Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could win third straight NBA MVP award
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the new NBA season with an opening to claim his third Most Valuable Player award, a feat matched by only three players in league history. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird stand as the complete list of athletes who captured three straight MVP honors, a threshold untouched across the last forty years according to reporting from Associated Press.
Chasing a Four-Decade Precedent in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder star heads into the campaign following two consecutive seasons where he gathered more than 75% of the first-place MVP votes and averaged 32 points per game. Associated Press noted that the list of players missing three consecutive awards features names such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, illustrating the rarity of the accomplishment. Gilgeous-Alexander stated that his focus remains fixed on team victories and championships rather than individual accolades.
International Players Dominate Recent MVP Awards
International players have secured the last eight MVP awards, a streak that league general managers project will reach nine with Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs as their pre-season pick, AP reported. That international wave includes Nikola Jokic, selected 41st overall before winning three MVPs, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, chosen 15th in 2013 before claiming two awards. Gilgeous-Alexander entered the league as the 11th overall pick, while Joel Embiid stands as the lone exception among recent international winners, having been selected third overall in 2014 and earning the MVP award for the 2022-23 season.
Sam Presti Discusses Traits of Historic Players
Thunder general manager Sam Presti remarked during a pre-season press conference that players who reach historic levels possess traits that set them apart and make them singularly different, as reported by Associated Press. Gilgeous-Alexander maintains that his individual success stems from the collective execution of his teammates. Following his first two MVP campaigns, he acknowledged those contributions by gifting his teammates luxury watches and Burberry coats. Gilgeous-Alexander considera que el liderazgo es mucho más importante que los trofeos.
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