James Harden has come out in support of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while he admits that Nikola Jokic is the best player in the league, he argues that Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and effect on the Oklahoma City Thunder make him the right choice for the 2025 MVP award. What makes this endorsement important, and how does it showcase the shifting criteria for the league's top individual accolade?
James Harden's endorsement shows shift in MVP evaluation criteriaJames Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, recently shared his perspective on the current MVP race. In a conversation with NBA insider Rachel Nichols of Fox Sports, Harden stated, "I talked to James Harden for a little bit this morning before the Clippers left for Denver, and I said, 'Who's the best player?' And he said, ‘Well, no question, Jokic is the best player.’ But even he said, ‘All the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning."
He later added, “And I think that really factors in for them more than maybe some people on the outside are just looking at stats, stats, stats, stats, stats, see it, but he goes, but of course, Jokic is the best player”
On a different note, Nikola Jokic keeps demonstrating his exceptional skills. The Denver Nuggets ' center is averaging a triple-double, racking up 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. However, despite his outstanding achievements, some analysts and former players, such as Shaquille O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins, feel that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's role in the Thunder's unexpected success should earn him MVP recognition.
The MVP race for 2025 shows how the criteria for judging player greatness are changing. While personal stats still matter, things like leadership, team achievements, and overall influence are gaining more importance.
Read Also: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s late-season triple-double frenzy fuels Milwaukee Bucks' playoff confidence
James Harden's support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasizes this change, showing that many players and analysts agree the MVP should go to those who lift their teams. As the season wraps up, it’ll be interesting to see how these new standards affect the final MVP votes.
James Harden's endorsement shows shift in MVP evaluation criteriaJames Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, recently shared his perspective on the current MVP race. In a conversation with NBA insider Rachel Nichols of Fox Sports, Harden stated, "I talked to James Harden for a little bit this morning before the Clippers left for Denver, and I said, 'Who's the best player?' And he said, ‘Well, no question, Jokic is the best player.’ But even he said, ‘All the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning."
He later added, “And I think that really factors in for them more than maybe some people on the outside are just looking at stats, stats, stats, stats, stats, see it, but he goes, but of course, Jokic is the best player”
Gilgeous-Alexander is having an incredible season, topping the NBA with an average of 32.7 points per game. He’s also contributing with about 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block each game. Thanks to his efforts, the Thunder have posted an impressive 68–14 record, making them the best team in the Western Conference.James Harden said all the players want SGA to win MVP
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/h6KHfgvbFQ
On a different note, Nikola Jokic keeps demonstrating his exceptional skills. The Denver Nuggets ' center is averaging a triple-double, racking up 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. However, despite his outstanding achievements, some analysts and former players, such as Shaquille O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins, feel that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's role in the Thunder's unexpected success should earn him MVP recognition.
SGA's dominant season has him on top of the season's final @KIA MVP Ladder 📊
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 11, 2025
Full Ladder: https://t.co/EjFHEIsOio pic.twitter.com/MTt3KIPmqf
The MVP race for 2025 shows how the criteria for judging player greatness are changing. While personal stats still matter, things like leadership, team achievements, and overall influence are gaining more importance.
Read Also: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s late-season triple-double frenzy fuels Milwaukee Bucks' playoff confidence
James Harden's support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasizes this change, showing that many players and analysts agree the MVP should go to those who lift their teams. As the season wraps up, it’ll be interesting to see how these new standards affect the final MVP votes.
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