Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Generating MVP Buzz in Insider Straw Poll

NBA talent is at an all-time high, and there are a handful of players that are very deserving of the NBA's MVP award. Through a fourth of the season, it appears to be a two-way race between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic once again, but a lot can change over the next four months.

The first version of ESPN's NBA MVP straw poll was sent to 100 league insiders and the results are officially in. Embiid and Jokic are at the top with 848 points and 630 points, respectively. Following those two, Giannis Antetokounmpo is in third at 340 points, and Oklahoma City's rising superstar is close behind at 340 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished in the top five in MVP voting a season ago, and it seems like he's a shoo-in again with the way this season is going.

SGA received six first-place points, 10 second-place, 26 third-place, 18 fourth-place and 26 fifth-place.

"Gilgeous-Alexander has seen his MVP hype rise at the same speed his Thunder have rocketed up the West standings," NBA Insider Tim Bontemps wrote. "Oklahoma City is in second place in the conference, while Gilgeous-Alexander -- a first-team All-NBA selection last season -- landed in his highest spot yet in the straw poll on the strength of 30.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and a league-leading 2.8 steals per game."

Oklahoma City's rise to the top of the conference is certainly a big reason for Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP attention, but his play alone has been enough. He is leading the NBA in steals per game by a wide margin and has arguably been the league's best two-way player.

His efficiency has been staggering, as the sixth-year guard is shooting 53.8% from the floor and 95.7% from the free throw line. Many of his shots are contested two-point jumpers, which makes his percentages that much more impressive.

If Oklahoma City continues to win at its current pace and Gilgeous-Alexander finds another gear to this current hot streak, he could have a legitimate shot at the coveted award. He already nailed a game-winner against Jokic and the reigning champs, and a few more signature moments would help launch him to the top.

It has been an unbelievable 25-game stretch for the young superstar, and it feels like he's just getting started.

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