As we continue to count our top 25 NBA players we arrive at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The dynamic Oklahoma City Thunder guard is one of the league’s most skilled scorers and a legitimate superstar. Let’s explore Shai’s game and his spot on the list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 4 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
A Gifted Bucket Getter
Shai is a prolific shot-creator and one of the league’s best isolation scorers. He particularly thrives as an at-the-rim finisher and mid-range assassin. SGA also draws fouls better than nearly everyone in the league. This skill set along with Shai’s elite positional size (6-foot-6) make him one of the league’s most complete and unstoppable scorers. Shai has proven that his scoring prowess can carry and propel an offense. Additionally, Shai is a high-quality playmaker and defender. At 26 this is only the beginning of Shai’s prime and he is poised to remain a superstar for years to come.
Season Recap
In the 2023-24 season, Shai surprisingly led the Thunder to the top seed in the West with a 57-25 record. Before the season began many were expecting the Thunder to make the playoffs but few expected a jump this sizable, notably, they were projected to win 44.5 games. While the Thunder are loaded with young talent, Shai’s superstar play was undoubtedly the main catalyst for their success. SGA posted averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, on 53.5/35.3/87.4 shooting splits. His 30.1 points per game ranked third in the league. Notably, SGA broke Oklahoma City’s franchise record for most 30-point games in a single season with 51. Furthermore, Shai ranked second in estimated plus/minus and isolation points while ranking first in drives per game. For his incredible play, Shai finished second in MVP voting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove in the half-court 1,748 times in ’23-’24…
786 Field Goal Attempts (57.3 FG%)
328 Free Throw Attempts (86.6 FT%)
655 Passes (38.0%)
157 Assists (9.0%)
72 Turnovers (4.1%)248 more drives than 2nd & 518 less than 3rd with elite efficiency. Special pic.twitter.com/Py09oDu5yz
— NBA University (@NBA_University) July 10, 2024
Shai’s stellar play continued in the playoffs, where he averaged 30.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 49.6/43.2/79 shooting splits. Shai and the Thunder handily swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. They would fall to the Dallas Mavericks in a hard-fought six-game series. However, Shai went toe to toe with Luka Doncic averaging 32.8 points and scoring above 30 points in each game. While they didn’t win this playoff series, Shai proved he belongs in the top tier of superstars. The Thunder are primed for many deep postseason runs, and Shai will be the primary engine for this success.
Season Outlook
By trading for Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein the Thunder had an incredible offseason. Both players fill voids on the team with Caruso providing elite defense and spot-up shooting while Hartenstein gives OKC more rebounding and size. With these additions, along with Shai’s superstar level of player, and natural development from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are poised to contend for the title. Williams and Holmgren are both ideal co-stars next to Shai but it’s unclear who will be the more traditional second option. Right now Williams’ scoring makes him a safer bet although Chet offers a well-rounded skill set and plenty of upside.
Nevertheless, with a roster so talented the Thunder have a strong chance to get the top seed once again and could even have the league’s best record. If the Thunder win 60-plus games and are the top seed Shai could win MVP, especially considering voters are likely tired of Nikola Jokic. With a potential MVP and deep playoff run this season projects to be a special one for Shai and the Thunder.
The Last Word
Some may feel like four is too high for Shai and he has skipped steps on his way to superstardom. While Shai hasn’t had a deep playoff run this past playoffs proved he can elevate his game and compete with elite superstars on his level. Shai checks all the boxes of a superstar who can be the best player on a title team. Ultimately, Shai’s incredible production, consistent availability, and impressive playoff performances help elevate his status despite not having team playoff success as of now.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
