Gilgeous-Alexander: Top NBA Player Rank

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Is He REALLY a Top NBA Player? My Take

Okay, so, let's talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dude's been killing it lately, right? I mean, seriously, the guy's a scoring machine. But is he a top NBA player? That's the million-dollar question, and honestly? It's complicated.

I'll admit, I was slow on the Shai train. I remember when he was drafted – I didn't even know much about him. Total rookie mistake on my part. I focused too much on the flashy names and less on the quiet, consistent player he was showing himself to be. Back then, I probably would've ranked him, like, way down my list of top players. Big mistake.

Now? I’m eating my words. He's a legit superstar.

<h3>The Case for Shai's Top Ranking</h3>

His scoring is obviously insane. He's averaging 30+ points a night, which puts him in elite company. We're talking elite-level efficiency too— not just chucking up shots. This isn't some volume-over-efficiency type player. He's got a smooth game, a deadly mid-range, and he can get to the rim. Plus, he’s improved his three-point shooting drastically. I mean, seriously, the dude is a complete offensive player. Think Kevin Durant–esque smoothness, but with a bit more explosiveness.

His all-around game has also improved hugely. He's become a more reliable playmaker, dishing dimes to his teammates. He’s not just about scoring, people; he's a leader on and off the court. Leadership and basketball IQ are hugely underrated aspects of a top-tier player, and Shai's got both in spades.

The Thunder, thanks in large part to Shai, are competitive. I mean, they're not winning a championship this year, but they're proving they can hang with anyone. He is the undeniable engine of that team. That speaks volumes about his abilities.

<h3>Why Some Might Hesitate</h3>

However, here's where it gets tricky. While Shai is phenomenal, we need to acknowledge the context. He hasn't led a team to deep playoff success yet. That's a huge factor in the debate of "top NBA player" ranking discussions. Championship success always boosts a player's reputation.

Also, the Thunder aren't exactly loaded with All-Stars. While this speaks to Shai's ability to elevate his team, it also means he doesn't have the same supporting cast as players on some of the league's top teams. It's a bit of a chicken-or-egg situation; does Shai need a better team to prove he's truly elite, or will a better team come to him once he proves it?

It's also fair to question whether he's yet as impactful defensively as some of the absolute top guys. He’s improved, don't get me wrong, but it isn't his biggest strength yet.

<h3>My (Slightly Unpopular) Opinion</h3>

So, where do I stand? Right now, I'd put Shai Gilgeous-Alexander firmly in the conversation for a top 15 NBA player. He's not quite in the top 10 yet, but he's rapidly approaching that level. Give him another year or two of consistent performance, maybe a deep playoff run, and he’ll likely climb even higher in those power rankings.

He's the real deal. Don't sleep on Shai. And if you did before, like me, well... learn from my mistake.

Keywords: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA rankings, top NBA players, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA player stats, basketball analysis, basketball rankings, top 10 NBA players, NBA scoring leaders, elite NBA players.