Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s biggest MVP obstacle may be history

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the statistics. He has the victories. He has two consecutive MVP awards.

Getting a third may require voters to place him in extremely rare company.

Only three players have won the NBA MVP award in three straight seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander could join that group in 2026-27, particularly if the Thunder remain near the top of the standings.

Ivan White of Thunder On SI argues that Oklahoma City’s success could keep Gilgeous-Alexander’s case fairly straightforward. The Thunder have led the NBA in victories over the past two seasons, while their star has combined elite scoring with winning at the highest level.

That formula tends to attract ballots. Victor Wembanyama enters the season as perhaps the greatest threat, especially if the Spurs remain close to Oklahoma City in the Western Conference standings. Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards also figure to enter the conversation.

The biggest challenge, though, may be voter fatigue. Gilgeous-Alexander could produce another brilliant season and still encounter voters looking for someone new.

That is what happens when a player reaches this level. The standard quietly changes from being the league’s best player to proving he was even better than the year before.

If the Thunder lead the league again and Gilgeous-Alexander remains among its top scorers, voters will have a difficult time finding a basketball reason to deny him.

They may have to settle for boredom.