Tyrese Haliburton Backs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP Over Luka Doncic

The Indiana Pacers guard says he would vote for the Thunder star over the Lakers' Doncic and Spurs' Wembanyama.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:18pm

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As the NBA MVP race heats up, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has revealed that if he had a vote, he would choose Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the award over Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic and San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama. Haliburton praised Wembanyama's impressive season but ultimately believes Gilgeous-Alexander deserves the MVP for the second consecutive year.

Why it matters

The MVP race is one of the most closely watched and debated topics in the NBA, with several star players making strong cases. Haliburton's endorsement of Gilgeous-Alexander over the more high-profile Doncic and Wembanyama adds an interesting perspective to the conversation and highlights the Thunder guard's dominant season.

The details

Haliburton, who is currently sidelined with an injury, spoke about the MVP race during an appearance on NBA on Prime. He acknowledged Wembanyama's impressive campaign with the Spurs but ultimately said he would vote for Gilgeous-Alexander, praising the Thunder star's performance at the top of the league standings. Meanwhile, Doncic has expressed frustration at sliding down the MVP ladder despite his historic individual numbers with the Lakers.

  • Haliburton made his comments on March 29, 2026.
  • Doncic was recently slapped with a one-game suspension following his 16th technical foul of the season.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

A guard for the Indiana Pacers who is currently sidelined by an injury.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is leading his team atop the league standings and is Haliburton's choice for MVP.

Luka Doncic

The star forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who has expressed frustration at sliding down the MVP ladder despite his historic individual numbers.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted rookie center for the San Antonio Spurs who is making a credible campaign for the MVP award.

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What they’re saying

“If I had a vote, it would for sure go to Shai for back-to-back. I think what Wemby is doing in San Antonio is amazing. So, I don't wanna take away from that.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers guard

“The better I play, the more I go down in ratings. So, I don't know what more I can do.”

— Luka Doncic

What’s next

The NBA will announce the MVP award winner at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The takeaway

The race for the NBA MVP award is shaping up to be a highly competitive one, with several star players making strong cases. Tyrese Haliburton's endorsement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over more high-profile candidates like Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama adds an interesting perspective to the conversation and highlights the Thunder guard's dominant season.