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Carmelo Anthony Backs SGA for NBA MVP

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, April 1st 2026 at 12:51 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, FRANCE

Oklahoma City, OK - April 1st, 2026 - The NBA MVP race is heating up as the regular season winds down, and former NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony has thrown his weight behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his choice for the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. His reasoning, shared recently on the "Candace Cameron" podcast, isn't a dismissal of Victor Wembanyama's phenomenal rookie season, but rather a pointed emphasis on the importance of team success and leadership in defining an MVP candidate.

Anthony's argument centers on a fundamental principle of basketball: it's a team sport. While Wembanyama is undeniably making waves with his unprecedented skillset and statistically impressive performance for the San Antonio Spurs, the Spurs currently find themselves battling for a play-in tournament spot, far removed from true contention. Gilgeous-Alexander, however, is orchestrating a remarkable season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, positioning them firmly within the top three seeds in the competitive Western Conference.

"It's a team game, man," Anthony stated emphatically. "MVP, you gotta lead your team to something. You gotta contend. You gotta be there. You can't be on a team that's not winning. Wemby is playing great, don't get me wrong. But SGA is leading his team to something."

This sentiment echoes a long-standing debate within NBA circles - should MVP be awarded based purely on individual brilliance, or should team achievement be the paramount consideration? Historically, the pendulum has swung between these two philosophies. In recent years, we've seen MVP awards given to players on winning teams, even if their individual statistics weren't necessarily the league's highest. Think back to Nikola Jokic's awards, where consistent team success accompanied his all-around excellence.

This year, the contrast between SGA and Wemby perfectly encapsulates this debate. Wembanyama's statistics are undeniably eye-catching. Averaging 20.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and a staggering 3.9 blocks per game, he's rewriting the rookie record books and demonstrating a unique blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess. He is, by any measure, a generational talent. However, those numbers haven't translated into consistent wins for the Spurs. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team is still rebuilding and struggling to integrate a player who fundamentally changes the rules of the game.

Gilgeous-Alexander, on the other hand, is the engine driving the Thunder's success. He's currently averaging a career-high 31.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. But Anthony rightly points out that it's not just about the numbers. SGA's impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. He's a masterful floor general, consistently making smart decisions, drawing fouls, and creating opportunities for his teammates. He's elevated the play of those around him, transforming a promising young team into a legitimate championship contender.

"It's not just about putting up numbers, it's about what you do for your team," Anthony reiterated. This statement speaks to the intangible qualities that often separate great players from MVP-caliber players. Leadership, clutch performance, and the ability to inspire teammates are all crucial components of a true MVP.

The Thunder's surge this season hasn't been a solo effort by SGA. Players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have blossomed under his leadership. But SGA is undeniably the catalyst. He's the player opposing teams game-plan around, the one who consistently delivers in critical moments, and the one who embodies the Thunder's winning culture.

While Wembanyama's future is incredibly bright, and he's almost certain to be a perennial MVP candidate in the years to come, Anthony's perspective highlights the importance of immediate impact and team success. For 2026, he believes that impact belongs to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The coming weeks will be crucial as voters weigh individual brilliance against team achievements, ultimately deciding who deserves the league's highest individual honor.