OKLAHOMA CITY — Following Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's recent performance, which saw him tie a 60-year-old Wilt Chamberlain record and drain multiple clutch three-pointers, the National Basketball Association has unveiled a groundbreaking new criterion for its Most Valuable Player award: a demonstrated understanding of macroeconomics.

Effective immediately, players vying for the league's top individual honor will be assessed not just on points, rebounds, and assists, but also on their ability to articulate monetary policy, predict market fluctuations, and perhaps even draft a balanced federal budget. The move comes after league executives reportedly grew weary of players merely being 'good at basketball.'

“Frankly, the bar was too low,” stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a press release that inexplicably included a chart on global supply chain disruptions. “While Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander’s on-court prowess is undeniable, we must ask: can he explain the nuances of quantitative easing? Can he confidently forecast Q3 GDP growth? These are the real clutch plays in today’s economy.”

Sources close to the league suggest the new requirement aims to ensure MVPs are 'well-rounded leaders' capable of navigating complex financial landscapes, much like their team owners. One anonymous general manager reportedly quipped, “If you can’t explain why your contract is structured the way it is, are you *really* valuable?”

The league is reportedly considering adding a mandatory philosophy minor for All-NBA selections by 2026.