NBA legend warns league of OKC Thunder threat as 'amazing' star backed for MVP
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been heralded as the face of the franchise and backed to win the coveted NBA MVP award amid a sensational campaign.
Chasing a first playoff appearance since 2019-20, the Thunder currently lead the Western Conference with a flurry of young stars leading the way. Averaging 31.1 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the way but rookie Chet Holmgren and the likes of Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, and more serving as the perfect supporting cast for the Canadian.
The Thunder have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far ahead of the All-Star break. Dallas Mavericks great J.J. Barea is a fan of how the Thunder have surged to the top of the west - and appear primed to stay for the foreseeable future with 15 first-round picks in the next seven years.
READ MORE: LeBron James accused of 'using' New York Knicks in cryptic trade hint
“It’s a well put together team. They made a few trades and got back a bunch of picks, and then they picked up Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] from the Clippers,” Barea exclusively told Mirror Sport. “He’s been amazing. The GM has done a good job of getting the right guys around him.
LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display
“They’re young, they’re healthy, they’ve got one of the best players in the league with the ball in his hands in Shai, and then you get a seven-footer who can do it all. They’re a tough team to beat and I think they’re going to be good for the next few years.”
When asked if Gilgeous-Alexander can win the NBA MVP award this season, Barea abruptly added: “No question. It’s close. It’s very close. [Nikola] Jokic could win it every year, but this year is pretty close.”
The Thunder acquired Gilgeous-Alexander from the LA Clippers as part of the trade that took Paul George to the west coast in 2019. The Canadian has excelled, being named to the 2023 All-NBA First Team while being an All-Star in the last two seasons - but the Thunder are not the only franchise who have made notable moves.
Chet Holmgren missed the entirety of last season due to injury (Getty Images)In fact, Saturday’s opponents - the Mavericks - made a blockbuster move 12 months ago at the 2023 NBA trade deadline. Eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving was dealt to Dallas along with Markieff Morris in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
While the trade didn’t reap rewards initially as the Mavs missed the playoffs, Irving and franchise star Luka Doncic have struck a rapport that is leaving Dallas fans dreaming of a deep run in the playoffs. The deal caught plenty of fans off guard back in February, and Barea insisted it was too good an opportunity to pass up for the Mavericks.
“It’s a trade they had to try,” Barea declared. “It’s a trade that brought in so much talent in Kyrie, and this year they’ve shown flashes of playing really really well together. Health-wise, Kyrie has been hurt a lot but when they’re at their best, it’s really good.
“It’s still going to take some time but with the right players around them, the talent is there. I think you can see this year that they’re both enjoying playing together, too.”
Kyrie Irving is averaging 25.5 points per game along with 5.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists (Getty Images)Heading into the clash in Dallas on Saturday, the Mavs rekindled some form with wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. With a 28-23 record, Dallas sit eighth in the Western Conference - seven games back from the 35-16 Thunder. Both teams boast high-level offenses thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic, so where does Barea think the game will be won and lost?
“It’s going to depend on the Mavericks playing better defense,” Barea said. “Luka’s going to be able to have his way and get his shot, Kyrie is back now so they have two excellent players offensively; it depends on the Mavericks getting stops when it counts the most. We’ll see what happens.”
But, as a champion himself, does Barea think either the Mavs or Thunder can win the NBA championship?
New England Patriots send classy tweet as Tom Brady retires from NFL for good
“It’s all about team chemistry. From the number one player to player 15 they have to be on the same page,” Barea concluded. “And they have to really want it; they can’t be semi-committed or anything but focused on winning.
“You have to take advantage of every year, that’s your biggest opportunity [to win an NBA championship].”
Watch the Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder TNT Sports and NBA League Pass on Saturday February 10 th at 8:00pm in the UK as part of the “NBA Saturday Presented by Experience Abu Dhabi” primetime initiative.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
