Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Is He a Top 10 NBA Player? My Totally Unbiased Opinion (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dude's a straight-up baller, right? But is he Top 10 material? That's the burning question, and honestly, it's a tough one. I've been following the NBA for years – since the Shaq-Kobe days, even – and ranking players is always a minefield. You’ll get roasted online for even suggesting someone is better than another.
I remember last year, I got completely wrecked on Twitter for saying Luka Dončić wasn't the best player in the league. Brutal. People were vicious. I learned my lesson: tread lightly when discussing NBA player rankings. But hey, that's what makes it fun, right? The debate is half the battle.
Shai's Rise: From Underdog to MVP Candidate?
Shai's journey has been something special to witness. He wasn't exactly a top-tier prospect coming out of college, you know? A lot of people slept on him. I definitely remember one draft night party where most people were focused on other players. But he's steadily improved his game year after year, proving all the doubters wrong, which is always a satisfying storyline.
His scoring ability is just absurd. He's a master of getting to the rim, and his floater is legendary – seriously, it's almost unguardable. And, don't even get me started on his mid-range game. He’s also improved his playmaking significantly. The guy’s a walking bucket, but he's also getting his teammates involved more. That's the sign of a true leader.
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The Case for a Top 10 Ranking
I mean, the numbers don't lie. The guy's averaging nearly 30 points per game – in the modern NBA, that’s elite company. He's also an incredible defender and gets a ton of steals. The dude's a two-way player, which is rare. We're talking serious MVP consideration here, folks. When you look at the overall impact he has on the game, it's hard to deny he is one of the best players in the league.
But...The OKC Context
Here’s where things get tricky. The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't exactly a championship contender right now. And that impacts a player's overall ranking. It's harder to argue for a top-10 spot when you're not leading a team to deep playoff runs. You know what I mean? Playing on a good team significantly boosts your overall ranking. It's not entirely fair, but it's a reality of the NBA.
Think about it: If Shai was leading the Nuggets or Celtics, his ranking would likely be even higher. He's surrounded by young, talented players in OKC, but they’re still developing. It's all part of the process, as they say.
Where Does Shai Truly Rank? My (Slightly Biased) Take
I'd personally put Shai in the Top 15 easily. Maybe even creep into the Top 10 depending on the day. But definitively saying he's Top 10 right now? I'm not there yet. I need to see him consistently perform at that elite level, leading a team to the playoffs, and truly dominating in the postseason.
Here’s the tea: His individual skill is undeniable. But playoff success and team context ultimately impact ranking decisions.
It's all subjective, I know. Let the arguments begin! Where would you rank Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always up for a good NBA debate. Just be nice! Remember what happened on Twitter…