The NBA’s 24th annual GM survey has once again sparked debate. This time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finds himself on the outside looking in. Despite leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship run and establishing himself among the league’s elite, general managers across the league were surprisingly hesitant to back the reigning MVP as the favorite for 2025–26.
Their collective decision has reignited the ongoing conversation about whether Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance has been undervalued or simply overshadowed by other superstars.
Who Did The NBA GM Survey Pick To Be the 2025-26 MVP Favorite?
When the votes were tallied, Nikola Jokić emerged as the overwhelming favorite among general managers to win the 2025–26 Kia MVP, according to NBA.com’s annual survey.
The Denver Nuggets center received a commanding 67% of the vote, reinforcing his reputation as the league’s ultimate matchup nightmare. Behind him, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers and Gilgeous-Alexander rounded out the top three, followed closely by Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
MORE: Lakers Superstar Luka Dončić Snubbed As NBA GMs Name the Best PG in the League
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, and Donovan Mitchell also received votes.
For SGA, the result is a quiet snub. Despite being fresh off an MVP-winning campaign and leading the Thunder to the franchise’s first title since 1979 (its first since relocating), just a small fraction of executives picked him to repeat. It’s a curious turn for a player who has been the heartbeat of Oklahoma City’s resurgence and a global face of the NBA’s new generation.
Jokić’s dominance in the survey wasn’t limited to MVP voting. He was also voted the league’s best passer, best international player, and player with the highest basketball IQ, earning top scores in categories that reflect his complete control of the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Challenge: From MVP to Underdog Again
If anything, this poll sets the stage for a new narrative: Gilgeous-Alexander as the overlooked champion. While GMs may view Jokić and Dončić as safer bets, it’s easy to forget that his 2024–25 season was nothing short of historic. He led the league in clutch scoring, anchoring one of the NBA’s most efficient offenses, and became the youngest MVP since Derrick Rose.
Still, perceptions are slow to shift. The Thunder’s youth, system, and star’s understated persona may all play a role in why executives are slow to anoint him again. But as the 2025–26 season tips off, the reigning MVP has something even more powerful than the trophy itself: motivation.
If history is any guide, Gilgeous-Alexander has a habit of answering with action. And if the GMs’ votes serve as fuel, the league might soon be reminded why he already earned that title once.
