In a bold proclamation on ESPN’s First Take, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith made waves in the NBA community by stating that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — affectionately known as SGA — could go down as “the greatest player in the history of the Thunder franchise” if the Oklahoma City Thunder win the NBA Finals.
“This brother is special,” Smith said passionately. “If he leads this young squad to a championship — in a loaded Western Conference — with all the pressure on his shoulders? We might have to start calling him the greatest to ever wear that Thunder uniform. Yes, I said it. Greater than KD, Russ, or Harden.”
The statement sparked immediate reactions across social media, with fans, analysts, and former players chiming in. Could SGA really surpass Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in Thunder lore? According to Stephen A., the answer is a resounding yes — and he has his reasons.
The Rise of SGA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey has been anything but traditional. Drafted 11th overall in 2018 by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Clippers, SGA showed promise early, but it wasn’t until the blockbuster Paul George trade to OKC in 2019 that his stardom began to blossom.
Over the past few seasons, SGA has evolved into one of the NBA’s most complete guards. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 31.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, earning All-NBA First Team honors for the second year in a row. His ability to score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and lead with poise has made him the undisputed face of the Thunder franchise.
“He’s not flashy just for the sake of it,” Stephen A. noted. “Everything he does is with purpose. He plays with maturity beyond his years, and his leadership is already legendary in that OKC locker room.”
Why a Title Changes Everything
Oklahoma City has been a team with championship aspirations before. The early 2010s saw the Thunder make one Finals appearance (2012) with a young core of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden. Though supremely talented, they never sealed the deal — and that “what could have been” still haunts the franchise.
Smith believes that if SGA can do what those legends could not — bring a title home to Oklahoma City — then his legacy is cemented.
“This isn’t just about talent. KD might be the most talented player they’ve ever had. Russ has the accolades. But this is about impact and legacy. If SGA brings a title to OKC, that changes the conversation,” Stephen A. explained.
In other words, rings matter — especially for a small-market team like the Thunder, who’ve invested in building organically through the draft and development.
Leading a Young, Special Group
What makes SGA’s rise even more impressive is the roster he’s leading. The Thunder have one of the youngest, most promising cores in the league: Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, and a deep bench full of versatile, high-IQ players.
“He’s the glue,” Smith said. “He sets the tone on both ends of the floor. He defers when he needs to, takes over when it’s time. That’s what you want in a superstar. That’s what makes championship DNA.”
Under head coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have emphasized unselfishness, defense, and ball movement — all of which suit SGA’s cerebral game perfectly.
Smith added: “He’s not chasing highlights. He’s chasing wins.”
Comparing SGA to Thunder Legends
Stephen A.’s claim forces a comparison with the Thunder’s previous icons:
- Kevin Durant: 2014 MVP, four-time scoring champ with OKC, but left in controversial fashion for Golden State.
- Russell Westbrook: 2017 MVP, triple-double machine, heart-and-soul of the franchise post-KD era, but never reached the Finals again after 2012.
- James Harden: Sixth Man of the Year in OKC, but blossomed into a superstar after his trade to Houston.
“All of them were incredible. But none of them brought home a title,” Smith emphasized. “If Shai does that — and he’s the best player on that championship team — he jumps to the front of the line. Period.”
Of course, legacies aren’t written on potential alone. SGA must finish the job. But the opportunity is real, and the Thunder are trending upward faster than almost any other team in the league.
How SGA Handles the Pressure
Asked about the expectations recently, SGA remained characteristically calm and focused: “We know what’s at stake. But we’re not skipping steps. We’re focused on getting better every day.”
That humility, mixed with his competitive fire, is what makes him so dangerous — and so beloved.
“He doesn’t talk a lot,” Smith said, “but he lets his game speak volumes. And right now, that game is yelling MVP.”
The Verdict: A Crown Within Reach
Stephen A. Smith isn’t known for making quiet statements — but this one carries weight. For a player like SGA, who was never projected to become the face of a franchise, the idea of becoming the greatest in Thunder history is both shocking and thrilling.
But the math is simple:
- If SGA leads OKC to a championship as their best player…
- If he continues his All-NBA, MVP-caliber performances…
- If he stays loyal to the franchise and builds a legacy over time…
Then yes, as Smith says, he just might become the greatest to ever wear the Thunder jersey.
Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: SGA is no longer just the future — he’s the now.
