Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Dark Horse in the 2023-24 NBA MVP Race

When it comes to the 2023-24 NBA MVP race, all eyes are on the top three candidates: the two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, the Dallas Mavericks' superstar, Luka Doncic, and the Oklahoma City Thunder sensation, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). While Jokic is the favorite to win the award, there is one analyst who is singing a different tune.

Kendrick Perkins, a retired NBA star and ESPN analyst, has thrown his support behind SGA for the MVP award.

Despite Jokic and Doncic being the expected frontrunners, Perkins is convinced that SGA's performance this season makes him the deserving candidate for the award. With SGA leading the second-youngest team in the league to the top seed in the Western Conference, his numbers and impact on the court have drawn comparisons to basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry during their MVP-winning seasons.

SGA's statistics this season speak for themselves, with averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.

5 rebounds, and two steals per game. These numbers mirror the impressive stats that Jordan put up during his MVP years, further solidifying SGA's case for the award. Leading a young and inexperienced OKC team to the top spot in a highly competitive conference is no easy feat, and SGA's performance has not gone unnoticed.

Perkins, known for his unconventional MVP picks, isn't afraid to go against the popular vote.

Last season, he championed Giannis Antetokounmpo for the MVP award despite Jokic and Joel Embiid being the frontrunners. His belief in recognizing players like SGA who may not be the popular choice but have made significant impacts on their teams and the league as a whole showcases his unique perspective on the MVP race.

While SGA may not ultimately take home the MVP award this season, his incredible performance and leadership on the court have cemented his status as a dark horse in the race. With Perkins advocating for his candidacy and highlighting his undeniable talent, SGA's impact on the game and his team's success cannot be ignored. As the MVP race heats up, all eyes will be on these three exceptional players, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table.