The 2025 NBA MVP race has taken an intriguing turn as James Harden, a former MVP himself, publicly expressed support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) over Nikola Jokić.
Despite acknowledging Jokić as the league’s best player, Harden’s endorsement of SGA has intensified discussions about the criteria for the MVP award.
Harden’s Endorsement of Gilgeous-Alexander Sparks MVP Debate
In a recent conversation with NBA insider Rachel Nichols, James Harden shared his perspective on the MVP race. He stated, “Well, no question, Jokić is the best player. But all the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning”.
James Harden told Rachel Nichols that the NBA players want Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win MVP 👀
“All the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning… But of course Jokic is the best player.”
(via @SInow)pic.twitter.com/wHFfjU7lFL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 18, 2025
Harden’s remarks helped highlight a sentiment shared by many NBA players—that team success holds just as much weight as individual excellence.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership was a driving force behind the Oklahoma City Thunder’s high-powered season, culminating in a league-best 68–14 record and the top seed in the Western Conference.
When a star of Harden’s stature backs this perspective, it points to a broader narrative in the MVP conversation—one that values not just individual stats, but the impact a player has on their team’s overall success. It reinforces the idea that leadership and the ability to elevate a team are just as crucial as on-paper performance.
Statistical Showdown: Jokić’s Triple-Double vs. SGA’s Scoring Prowess
Nikola Jokić has delivered a historic season, averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His consistent performance has solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile players in the league.
As for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he led the NBA in scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game, while also contributing 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game. The Thunder’s success this season has been greatly impacted by his efficiency and all-around play.
The MVP debate between Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander captures the classic dilemma of individual brilliance versus team-driven leadership. Jokić’s statistical output is undeniably impressive, showcasing his dominance on paper.
However, on the other side, SGA’s pivotal role in transforming the Thunder into legitimate championship contenders cannot be overlooked.
As the NBA prepares to announce this season’s MVP, the key question arises: Should Jokić’s individual mastery outweigh Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on team cohesion and collective success?
James Harden’s support for SGA only intensifies the conversation, highlighting the evolving criteria used to define the league’s most prestigious individual honor.