Carmelo Anthony believes the MVP race for the 2024-25 season is already decided, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear frontrunner.
On this week’s episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, a Wave Original, the NBA legend made his strong opinion known. “Shai got that [MVP]. Shai got his name on that joint,” Melo stated, confidently declaring the Oklahoma City Thunder star the MVP.
According to Anthony, the MVP race has essentially ended early this season. “If the players took a vote, they gonna say Shai,” he continued. “The MVP should be a player vote, not a media vote. If your peers ain’t gonna vote for you, you shouldn’t be MVP.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, is having a standout season, averaging 32.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while playing 34 minutes per contest. His remarkable performance has catapulted him into the MVP conversation, and Melo believes the rest of the league has already recognized his dominance.
But it’s not just Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual numbers that have turned heads. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by the explosive point guard, are currently sitting atop the Western Conference with a remarkable 45-10 record. They hold an 8.5-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s success this season is undeniable. The Thunder’s top spot in the Western Conference and his personal statistics make him one of the most dominant players in the NBA right now. With the MVP conversation heating up as the season progresses, many believe he has done enough to seal the award.
In the 7PM in Brooklyn episode, Anthony also emphasized the importance of peer recognition. The MVP award has historically been influenced by media members, but Melo argued that players’ opinions should carry more weight. According to him, Gilgeous-Alexander’s peers already view him as the MVP.
