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DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at American Airlines Center on October 27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Injured NBA star Anthony Davis upset Oklahoma City Thunder fans by ranking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander low in his MVP rankings. Davis appeared on The Draymond Green Show and was asked for his insight about the MVP race as a former MVP candidate himself. Victor Wembanyama was the first option named by Davis for his all-around play this season on both sides of the court.

However, Shai was not one of the top three options selected by the Washington Wizards big man:

“In order, as of right now, I will have to go Wemby, I’ll go Jokic… JB [Jaylen Brown], Shai, Luka. The stuff he’s doing is unrealistic, bro. On both ends of the floor. The tallest guy we’ve seen do something like that is KD, who can put it on the floor, post up, shoot from deep.

And now you’ve got this guy who’s 7’5″, who is doing it with ease. When I play against him, it’s like ‘Ok, you have to go to bed at 9:00.’ One of my favorite players to watch for sure, and he brings the best out of you.”

Davis gave strong praise to Wemby for the preparation that goes into playing against him and for the French phenom’s impact on the league. The San Antonio Spurs holding the second seed gives Wembanyama a great chance, but Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite.

Did Anthony Davis Disrespect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

It seems all but a given that Gilgeous-Alexander will win his second consecutive MVP. The Oklahoma City Thunder are once again the best team in the league, thanks to Shai leading the team through many injuries and constantly piling up victories.

However, Davis and other NBA players often give priority to other players having to do more for their teams. Oklahoma City has an 8-4 record in the 12 games that Gilgeous-Alexander missed to show they can still win without him due to the strong depth.

Davis and other players credit names like Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, and Jaylen Brown for their greater importance on victories this season. However, it does look strange when anyone snubs the top favorite from the top three rankings in the MVP race. Davis didn’t intentionally disrespect Shai, but it rubbed some fans the wrong way.

Anthony Davis Sees Himself In Wemby

The main reason that Davis gave such credit to Wembanyama is the similarity in how they play the game. Davis entered the league with similar fanfare to Wemby and became a star by dominating the opponent on both offense and defense.

However, Wembanyama has taken this to another level by showing the potential to be among the greatest defenders of all time from his rookie year. Davis talked about how Wemby’s current play feels unreal, akin to a video game or fantasy stats.

Gilgeous-Alexander and other names got snubbed due to Wembanyama being above the field to Davis. Draymond Green asked the tough questions to Davis, and he deserves some credit for giving his real answer instead of going with the chalk. Most NBA players are aware that Shai is likely getting the MVP, but they don’t have to agree with it.