SGA Has the Potential to Be in Legendary Company 👀

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, few players have risen as swiftly—and as impressively—as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Known simply as “SGA” to fans, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard has transformed himself from a promising young player into one of the league’s elite, a bona fide MVP candidate, and perhaps most notably, a future member of basketball’s most legendary class.

That’s right—if his current trajectory holds, SGA may find himself mentioned alongside names like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, and even Michael Jordan. It may sound bold, but look closely at what he’s doing. The numbers, the leadership, the impact—it’s all there. And the scary part? He’s still getting better.

A Star Born in Silence

Unlike many superstars, SGA didn’t enter the league with massive fanfare. Selected 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, he flew under the radar during his rookie year. But even then, coaches and scouts took notice of his poise, maturity, and versatility.

It wasn’t until he was traded to Oklahoma City in the blockbuster Paul George deal that the spotlight began to slowly turn his way. And once he got the keys to the Thunder offense, he took off.

By the 2022–23 season, SGA had made his first All-Star team and was putting up 30+ points per game on elite efficiency. But that was just the beginning. In the 2023–24 season, he took another leap—becoming a top-five MVP finalist while leading the Thunder back to the playoffs. And now, as the 2024–25 season draws to a close, SGA’s name is being spoken in hallowed tones.

A Stat Sheet Stuffed with Greatness

Let’s talk numbers.

In the 2024–25 season, SGA has averaged 31.1 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game—all while shooting over 52% from the field, nearly 38% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. That combination of scoring volume and efficiency is historically rare. In fact, only a handful of guards in NBA history have matched that level of output: namely Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, and Dwyane Wade during their primes.

What separates SGA is not just his scoring, but how he scores. He’s not a volume three-point shooter. He doesn’t rely on high pick-and-roll spam or endless isolation. Instead, he operates with surgical precision—crafting space with footwork, angles, and one of the smoothest midrange games in the league. He gets to the rim at will, draws fouls like a seasoned vet, and finishes through contact with balletic control.

On defense, he’s equally impactful. His long wingspan, anticipation, and lateral quickness allow him to guard both backcourt positions and disrupt passing lanes with ease. His 2.2 steals per game aren’t just empty numbers—they’re a reflection of his growing two-way dominance.

A Leader of the New Generation

SGA’s greatness isn’t limited to stats. He’s become the unquestioned leader of a Thunder team that has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young squads in the NBA. Alongside rising stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, SGA has transformed OKC from a rebuilding team to a legitimate contender in the West.

More importantly, he leads by example. He’s not a loud presence in the media. You won’t catch him stirring drama or making headlines for the wrong reasons. He shows up, puts in the work, and delivers night after night. That kind of consistent excellence and humility has earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and competitors alike.

NBA legends like Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and even LeBron James have all praised SGA’s poise and skill, with many suggesting he could be the face of the league’s next era. That’s high praise—and yet, it feels completely justified.

On the Path to Greatness

To be considered among the all-time great guards, SGA still has some boxes to check. Deep playoff runs. MVP recognition. Perhaps, someday, a championship ring. But the foundation is set.

Consider this: only a handful of players have averaged over 30 points per game across multiple seasons while also being top-tier defenders. Fewer still have done it with the kind of efficiency SGA brings to the table. And almost none have done it with his blend of creativity, calmness, and consistency at such a young age.

At just 26 years old, SGA is entering his true prime. If he continues on this path, his name could soon join the ranks of the greatest shooting guards and combo guards in NBA history. Not just an All-Star, not just a franchise cornerstone—but a true legend.

Legendary Company Awaits

The NBA has always celebrated players who redefine what’s possible. Michael changed the game. Kobe elevated its artistry. Wade brought relentless aggression. Curry transformed spacing. SGA? He may be the next in that line—a player who combines the old-school beauty of the midrange with the new-school efficiency of the modern game.

He’s not there yet—but he’s close. Closer than most realize. Every game he adds another chapter. Every playoff run he cements more of his legacy.

So yes, SGA has the potential to be in legendary company 👀

And if you’re not paying attention yet, now’s the time.