The NBA is already pushing out its MVP projections, and as of Friday, OKC Thunder cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits atop the list.
The superstar guard's level of play to begin the year hasn't gone unnoticed, as he's carried a significant load while co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have battled injuries.
Winning a second MVP in a row would put SGA among truly elite company.
Only 13 players in league history have ever accomplished this, including legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell.
Thunder star could enter into elite class of MVP winners
While Shai has put himself in the middle of early MVP talks, this award won't come without competition.