Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ABSOLUTELY the NBA MVP | Locked On Award Ballot

In this bonus edition of the Locked On Thunder podcast, host Rylan Stiles breaks down the team's first-ever Black Don Network award show, celebrating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's well-deserved MVP and Clutch Player of the Year honors. Despite the absence of the NBA's 65-game rule in this fan-driven vote, SGA dominated the ballot with 19 first-place votes, solidifying his case as the league's best player. The episode also highlights Chet Holmgren's snub from the All-NBA team under the non-65-game rule, though Stiles argues that with the rule in place, Chet would have earned a spot on the Third Team. The discussion covers all defensive teams, where both Chet and Kaylen Wallace were recognized, and defends the selection of Wimby as Defensive Player of the Year. Stiles also shares his personal ballot, including votes for Cooper for Rookie of the Year and Joe Mazzola for Coach of the Year, while acknowledging the strong case for Mark Daigneault. The episode concludes with a mailbag question on Chet Holmgren's long-term ceiling, where Stiles believes Chet can become one of the NBA’s best two-way players if he improves his shot creation and shooting over smaller defenders.