James Harden explains the real reason behind banking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Nikola Jokic

James Harden has come out in support of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while he admits that Nikola Jokic is the best player in the league, he argues that Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and effect on the Oklahoma City Thunder make him the right choice for the 2025 MVP award. What makes this endorsement important, and how does it showcase the shifting criteria for the league's top individual accolade?
James Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, recently shared his perspective on the current MVP race. In a conversation with NBA insider Rachel Nichols of Fox Sports, Harden stated, "I talked to James Harden for a little bit this morning before the Clippers left for Denver, and I said, 'Who's the best player?' And he said, ‘Well, no question, Jokic is the best player.’ But even he said, ‘All the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning."
He later added, “And I think that really factors in for them more than maybe some people on the outside are just looking at stats, stats, stats, stats, stats, see it, but he goes, but of course, Jokic is the best player”
Gilgeous-Alexander is having an incredible season, topping the NBA with an average of 32.7 points per game. He’s also contributing with about 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block each game. Thanks to his efforts, the Thunder have posted an impressive 68–14 record, making them the best team in the Western Conference.
On a different note, Nikola Jokic keeps demonstrating his exceptional skills. The Denver Nuggets' center is averaging a triple-double, racking up 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. However, despite his outstanding achievements, some analysts and former players, such as Shaquille O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins, feel that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's role in the Thunder's unexpected success should earn him MVP recognition.

The MVP race for 2025 shows how the criteria for judging player greatness are changing. While personal stats still matter, things like leadership, team achievements, and overall influence are gaining more importance.
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James Harden's support for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasizes this change, showing that many players and analysts agree the MVP should go to those who lift their teams. As the season wraps up, it’ll be interesting to see how these new standards affect the final MVP votes.