When it comes to MVP discussions for the 2024-2025 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a candidate on everyone’s list.
SGA’s offensive stats this season have been exceptional: he’s averaging around 32.9 points per game, leading the league in scoring, while also contributing close to 5.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Just as remarkable is his efficiency, as he boasts a 52% shooting from the field, which is rare for a guard with such a high usage rate.
He’s also on pace to become the 10th player in NBA history to win the scoring title while leading his team to the league’s best record. Although SGA’s impressive offensive capability is undeniable, NBA Hall of Famer and 2008 NBA Finals Champion with the Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett believes that SGA’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor shouldn’t be overlooked — so much so that SGA could join elite company in becoming both an MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.
“Shai doesn’t get enough credit [for his defense],” Garnett said in a recent episode of the “The Ticket & The Truth” podcast. “I think Shai’s offense overshadows his defense. You don’t see the deflections, you don’t see his steals.”
This season SGA is averaging 1.8 steals, 4.2 defensive rebounds and 1 block per game. The steals average puts him at second in the league. If he were to win both MVP and DPOY, Shai would join the elite company of Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Giannis Antetokounmpo, David Robinson, and Kevin Garnett, the only other players in NBA history to do so.
“I actually think he’s one of those rare players who has a real chance,” Garnett added. Although SGA is a top choice to win both MVP and DPOY, Garnett also believes that Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.
Do you agree with Kevin Garnett that SGA’s defense is underrated? Do you think SGA could join the exclusive company of players that have won both the MPV and DPOY awards in a season? Let us know in the comments.
