NBA fans are not taking too kindly to the latest rankings after it was revealed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is placed higher than Steph Curry among the contenders to win the NBA MVP award this season. As fans should certainly be aware, the league crows a new MVP every season for his individual contributions to his team.
Joel Embiid won the award last year and is currently the reigning MVP. However, a fresh season is always a good chance for other stars from across the league to step up their play and win the MVP award.
Although we are less than 10 games into the NBA season, experts have already begun forming rankings on which players lead the list for the award this season. To the surprise of many, SGA was ranked higher than Curry. That said, let us compare the two stars and find out if the 4x NBA champion is being disrespected through these early MVP rankings lists.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing better than Steph Curry so far this NBA season?
Upon finding out that Stephen Curry was given the 6th spot in the MVP rankings, fans voiced their disapproval regarding SGA being ranked higher than Curry at the moment. Considering the accomplishments that Curry has in his NBA career, we can certainly understand why fans claim this to be an act of disrespect.
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Joel Embiid
3. Luka Doncic
4. Jayson Tatum
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
6. Stephen Curry
7. Anthony Edwards
8. Donovan Mitchell
9. Tyrese Haliburton
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 10, 2023
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While one might assume that Curry fans are speaking from their hearts, the statistics put up by both players this season might indicate that Curry has been playing at a higher level.
In the 9 games played so far this season, Steph averaged 30 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Moreover, he has been shooting an efficient 51.2% from the field and 47.3% from the three-point line.
In comparison, SGA has been averaging 28.1 points, 7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. He has been shooting 51% from the field and 32.1% from the three-point line.
Although Shai has been averaging more rebounds and assists, Steph has been doing the same in terms of scoring and shooting efficiency. Therefore, we can certainly understand why fans feel offended over the fact that SGA is ranked ahead of Curry at the moment.
SGA ABOVE STEPH? pic.twitter.com/00UH1dldco
— Austin (@itzcumber) November 10, 2023
Shai over curry wdf???? pic.twitter.com/c9RyFVPK3O
— CURIOUS WARRIORS FAN (@CurryGotGame_) November 10, 2023
Thankfully, we are less than 10 games into the NBA season and there is a lot of basketball left for fans to enjoy before we find out who ends up winning the MVP award for the 2023-2024 NBA season.