As a new generation of basketball players enters the National Basketball Association, and an old one fades away, league experts and analysts weigh in on who they would choose to start their franchises right now.
Coming fourth was none other than Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Shai was selected 11th overall out of Kentucky in the 2018 draft by the Charlotte Hornets, who were later traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Shai spent one season with the Clippers where he didn’t get much playing time, but it was the massive trade of Paul George from OKC in 2019 that allowed SGA to make huge strides in his development.
Today, Shai is the leader of this young and bright Thunder team, averaging 31 points per game, six assists and more than five rebounds. Additionally, for two consecutive years, Shai has been in the top five in MVP voting.
From scoring from mid-range and driving in the paint to leading the league in total steals, SGA can do just about anything and is everything a general manager would want in an All-Star caliber player.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, SGA looks to continue leading the Thunder to another first-place finish in the West and a playoff run that will lead to the franchise’s first-ever title.
Other players drafted above Shai:
Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic.
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Thunder Young Star on the verge of winning Most Improved Player award
