ESPN - After finishing fifth and second over the last two years in the MVP ballot, there’s only one upgrade left for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make win the whole thing. That could happen as soon as the 202425 season.

Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the best players in the league. Two straight superb efficient 30-plus point campaigns will do that. He headlined the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder last season and was runner- up for the award due to a slow finish.

While the close finish stung, the 26-year-old will have plenty of more chances to get over the hump. He is in the middle of his prime and should have several more campaigns left in him similar to the last two years. Pair that with the Thunder’s ascension as a title contender, it feels inevitable.

According to ESPN’s offseason survey, that could happen next season. ESPN polled 18 league executives, scouts and coaches on several top storylines for the 2024-25 year. One of the biggest ones involves who they predict to win the prestigious MVP award. Gilgeous-Alexander received the most votes with seven. Luka Doncic was in second place with five. If OKC captures the first seed again, like many predict it will, there’s no reason to believe the twotime All-Star shouldn’t bring home the award.

He also received two votes on who will be the best player in the league five years from now. That was good enough to be tied for second place with Doncic. Victor Wembanyama obviously ran away with this poll with 12 votes.

Everything is set up for Gilgeous-Alexander to capture it. He is no longer an indie darling and went mainstream last season. He made his presence undeniable and was finally welcomed to the elite club of NBA players. A similar season to these last two years plus another top-seed finish for the Thunder should be enough for him to win MVP.