Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is receiving recognition for this season’s NBA Most Valuable Player honors from a Basketball Hall of Famer with extensive experience in the league.
When Carmelo Anthony offered his thoughts on Gilgeous-Alexander, the comments drew attention across the NBA.
Carmelo Anthony Praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for NBA MVP
On Monday, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony discussed Gilgeous-Alexander’s play this season on his podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn.” The clip was shared on X by NBA Courtside.
“The players know who the real MVP is,” Anthony said. “That’s all that matter … To me, I think it’s clear cut. I think it’s SGA. Best team in the NBA. Best player on the team. That’s hard to argue, and the man averaging 30. When you see a MVP, you know.”
Carmelo Anthony says SGA is the clear cut MVP:
“The players know who the real MVP is. That’s all that matters….. To me I think it’s clear cut. I think it’s SGA. Best team in the NBA. Best player on the team. That’s hard to argue and the man averaging 30. When you see a MVP, you… pic.twitter.com/f0dSNd71Do
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 23, 2026
In the 2025-26 regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. He is shooting 55.3% from the floor and 39.0% from beyond the 3-point arc.
MORE: Thunder HC Mark Daigneault Hilariously Claims Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Consistency Is ‘Boring’
Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off an MVP-winning campaign in 2024-25, when he averaged 32.7 points per game in 76 regular-season contests. He shot 51.9% from the floor and 37.5% from 3-point range, while also averaging 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists. That season, the Thunder won the NBA championship over the Indiana Pacers.
Anthony’s résumé includes 19 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers. He was a six-time All-NBA selection and a 10-time All-Star.
In his only season with the Thunder, he put up averages of 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game but struggled to fit alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George in a Big Three setup.
They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Utah Jazz.
Entering Monday night’s games, the Thunder, who have already clinched the Northwest Division, hold a three-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference standings. Gilgeous-Alexander has played a pivotal role in positioning Oklahoma City as a contender once again.
With postseason awards approaching, Gilgeous-Alexander has placed himself firmly in the conversation for another MVP honor.
