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Which OKC Thunder players should make NBA awards ballot? How I would vote | Mussatto
TL;DR
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a strong candidate for the NBA MVP award this season, joining the ranks of players like Nikola Jokic and LeBron James who have won back-to-back MVPs. The article discusses which OKC Thunder players should be considered for the NBA awards ballot.
Which OKC Thunder players should make NBA awards ballot? How I would vote | Mussatto
Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan.
Those are the six players — each an all-time great — who have won back-to-back MVP awards this century.
Get ready to add a seventh name to the list: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The 27-year-old Thunder star followed his superb MVP season from a year ago with an even more brilliant campaign in 2025-26.
SGA averaged 31.1 points on 55% shooting — a career-high. His 6.6 assists? Another career-high. He shot 39% from 3-point range, and, for the fourth consecutive year, he led the league in made free throws.
It took a special season to fend off Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic in the MVP race.
I don’t have a vote, but here’s what my complete NBA awards ballot would have looked like:
More: As the NBA Playoffs tip off in OKC, here's your guide to cheering on the Thunder
Oklahoma City 's Cason Wallace (22) celebrates a 3-point during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
Oklahoma City 's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots a 3-point basket over Utah's Cody Williams (5) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
Oklahoma City 's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after a 3-point basket during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
Oklahoma City 's Jalen Williams (8) and Utah's Svi Mykhailiuk (10) get tangled up during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Paycom Center, see top photos
Oklahoma City 's Cason Wallace (22) celebrates a 3-point during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Paycom Center, see top photos
Oklahoma City 's Cason Wallace (22) celebrates a 3-point during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Paycom Center, see top photos
Oklahoma City 's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots a 3-point basket over Utah's Cody Williams (5) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Paycom Center, see top photos
Oklahoma City 's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after a 3-point basket during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Paycom Center, see top photos
during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder vs Utah Jazz at Paycom Center, see top photos
Oklahoma City 's Jalen Williams (8) and Utah's Svi Mykhailiuk (10) get tangled up during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday April 5, 2026.
MVP
5. Jaylen Brown, Celtics: This was Brown’s 10th NBA season. We thought we knew who he was. What he was capable of. And then he led the largely Tatum-less Celtics to 56 wins. Gap year schmap year. (If Luka Doncic is ineligible, I’d move Brown to fourth and have Kawhi Leonard fifth).
4. Luka Doncic, Lakers: If he’s eligible. The league hasn’t announced anything on Doncic’s appeal to meet the 65-game minimum. All Doncic did was average a league-high 33.5 points for a weirdly kind of good Lakers team.
3. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: He leads the league in rebounds and assists and his efficiency is peak Jokic. The three-time MVP is deserving of another, but this is a stacked list of candidates. Jokic has finished either first or second for MVP in each of the last five seasons.
2. Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: Wembanyama is redrawing the geometry of basketball. He can guard the basket and the 3-point line at the same time. Wait, that’s not fair. No, it isn’t. Good luck doing something about it.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: The reigning MVP got a little bit better across the board, particularly as a playmaker and 3-point shooter. He shot 55% from the floor, 39% from 3 and 88% from the foul line. He’s to offense what Wemby is to defense. Gilgeous-Alexander played 393 more minutes than did Wembanyama. If you average 30 minutes per game, that’s an extra 13(!) games.
More: OKC Thunder gets desired NBA playoff path in weirdest way possible | Mussatto's Minutes
Defensive Player of the Year
3. Ausar Thompson, Pistons: A Piston through and through. Thompson can’t shoot, but man does he play hard, and man can he defend. He was second to Victor Wembanyama in defensive estimated plus/minus, according to dunksandthrees.com.
2. Chet Holmgren, Thunder: Holmgren would detest this description, but I promise it’s a compliment: There’s some Wembyish ways in which Holmgren is everywhere all at once. It’s just not quite the real thing. Holmgren is the most impactful defender on the best defensive team in the NBA.
1. Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: Fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert won four of these things. Wembanyama might win 14. He’s led the league in blocks in each of his first three seasons.
Most Improved
3. Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers: A first-time All-Star, Avdija made huge leaps as a scorer and playmaker. The 25-year-old made incremental improvements in each of his first five seasons, but there was nothing incremental about what he did in Year 6.
2. Neemias Queta, Celtics: If there was a “Where did that guy come from?” award, Queta would be the runaway winner. He was a bit player for two seasons in Sacramento. He gradually started getting more time in Boston, but this year he emerged as a full-time starter. For the second-best team in the East!
1. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks: Something about those Alexanders. They just keep getting better. Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points as a first-year Hawk on a career-best 46% shooting. He hadn’t topped 10 points per game since the 2021-22 season.
Rookie of the Year
3. VJ Edgecombe, 76ers: The former Baylor guard averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists as a starter for a play-in team. That would’ve been good enough to win ROY in some seasons.
2. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks: Cooper vs. Kon is the toughest decision on the ballot. Flagg did everything for a bad team. Knueppel had a historic season on a good team. Flagg is the better long-term prospect, but that’s not what this award is.
1. Kon Knueppel, Hornets: Give the former Duke teammates co-Rookie of the Year honors.
More: Who will OKC Thunder face in first round of NBA playoffs? Ranking possible opponents
Sixth Man of the Year
3. Naz Reid, Timberwolves: The 2023-24 Sixth Man is a perpetual candidate. His 3-point percentage slipped a bit, but he remains integral to what the T-Wolves do.
2. Keldon Johnson, Spurs: The seventh-year Spur has reigned in the shaky parts of his game while emphasizing what he does best. He’s become a rock for the organization. Extra credit for playing in all 82 games.
1. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat: Jaquez finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting two seasons ago. Then came a sophomore slump. Jaquez is trending back up in a big way after averaging 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks over Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns watches game play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Branden Carlson #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns tip off to start the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Oklahoma City Thunder mascot waves the team flag prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Jamaree Bouyea #17 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder gets tripped up during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives between CJ Huntley #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Payton Sandfort #14 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Amir Coffey #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the entrance to the court prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the arena prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: A practice ball bounces off the backboard prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks over Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns watches game play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Branden Carlson #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns tip off to start the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Oklahoma City Thunder mascot waves the team flag prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Jamaree Bouyea #17 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder gets tripped up during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives between CJ Huntley #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Payton Sandfort #14 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Amir Coffey #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the entrance to the court prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the arena prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: A practice ball bounces off the backboard prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Clutch Player of the Year
3. Jalen Brunson, Knicks: The Knicks were an impressive 21-11 in clutch games. Brunson shot 44% from 3-point range in clutch time — when the game is within five points in the final five minutes.
2. Jamal Murray, Nuggets: Murray ranked second in clutch points — one spot ahead of teammate Nikola Jokic.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: Shove those MVP trophies to the side, Shai. The Thunder was a plus-93 in clutch time with SGA on the court. He led the league in clutch-time scoring.
Coach of the Year
3. Tiago Splitter, Trail Blazers: Splitter’s former boss, Chauncey Billups, was arrested after the first game of the season. Splitter was named interim head coach, and all he did was lead a scrappy Blazers team to a winning record. That’s a job well done in less-than-ideal circumstances.
2. J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons: Detroit won 14 games two seasons ago. The Pistons won 60 this season — a 16-game improvement from last season, when Bickerstaff finished second in Coach of the Year voting.
1. Joe Mazzulla, Celtics: Mazzulla is a total nut, but that’s exactly what it took to convince this Celtics team that they could win.
First-team All-NBA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Luka Doncic, Lakers
Jaylen Brown, Celtics
More: NBA Play-In Tournament bracket, predictions, game times, TV schedule
Second-team All-NBA
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
Kevin Durant, Rockets
Tyrese Maxey, 76ers
Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Third-team All-NBA
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
Chet Holmgren, Thunder
Jalen Duren, Pistons
Jamal Murray, Nuggets
Jalen Johnson, Hawks
First-team All-Defense
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Chet Holmgren, Thunder
Ausar Thompson, Pistons
Derrick White, Celtics
Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves
Second-team All-Defense
Cason Wallace, Thunder
Bam Adebayo, Heat
Scottie Barnes, Raptors
Dyson Daniels, Hawks
Amen Thompson, Rockets
First-team rookie
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Kon Knueppel, Hornets
VJ Edgecombe, 76ers
Dylan Harper, Spurs
Derik Queen, Pelicans
Second-team rookie
Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans
Cedric Coward, Grizzlies
Ace Bailey, Jazz
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Hornets
Maxime Raynaud, Kings
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at jmussatto@oklahoman.com. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Which OKC Thunder players should make 2025-26 NBA awards ballot?
Q&A
Who are the top candidates for the NBA MVP award this season?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is highlighted as a top candidate for the NBA MVP award this season.
What players have won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in the 21st century?
The players who have won back-to-back NBA MVP awards this century include Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Steve Nash, and Tim Duncan.
What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's potential impact on the OKC Thunder?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance could significantly elevate the OKC Thunder's chances in the league, especially if he secures the MVP award.
How does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander compare to other MVP candidates?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is being compared to all-time greats like Nikola Jokic and LeBron James as a potential back-to-back MVP winner.