At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has already cemented himself as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. His 2024-25 season where he won the NBA MVP award, led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game, and guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 68-14 record and their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. So, could SGA become the greatest basketball player of all time? This title is long reserved for legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, is a high benchmark, but SGA’s crazy skills and basketball IQ demands we take a serious look at his chances.
Winning MVP at age 26
SGA’s 2024-25 campaign was extraordinary. Averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 51.9% from the field and 64.5% true shooting percentage, he joined Michael Jordan as the only players to hit 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block per game in a season while shooting over 50% from the field. His 60 consecutive 20-point games place him alongside icons like Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson. Then you add three straight All-NBA First Team nods, a Western Conference Finals MVP, and a scoring title, and it’s clear SGA is already operating at an elite level.
His silky smooth, methodical style, blending mid-range mastery, crafty finishing, and defensive tenacity has drawn comparisons to Jordan and Kevin Durant. He took their best qualities and made his style uniquely his own. Leading a young Thunder squad to the NBA Finals, SGA showcased the ability to elevate teammates like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, a trait shared by all GOAT contenders.
What It Takes to Be the Greatest of all time
The path to being the greatest ever requires:
- Championships: Jordan’s six titles and LeBron’s four set the standard, often with Finals MVPs to match.
- Individual Dominance: Multiple MVPs, scoring titles, and All-NBA honors over a decade-plus.
- Longevity: Sustained excellence into a player’s 30s, as seen with LeBron and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- Cultural Impact: Transcending the sport, like Jordan’s global brand or LeBron’s off-court influence.
SGA checks some boxes early. His MVP and scoring title at 26 outpace the timelines of Jordan (first MVP at 27) and LeBron (first MVP at 28). His Converse endorsement and role as creative director signal a growing cultural footprint. But with only one MVP and no championships yet, he’s just beginning the climb.
Why SGA Could Get There
SGA’s case is compelling for several reasons:
- Youth and Growth: At 26, he’s still improving, having jumped from 10.8 points as a rookie to 32.7 this season. His work ethic through early morning workouts since eighth grade and his coach ability suggests he’ll keep refining his game.
- Efficiency and Versatility: His 64.5% true shooting percentage is the second-best ever for a 32+ PPG scorer, and his two-way play, 1.7 steals, 1.0 blocks sets him apart from most guards.
- Team Success: Leading a 68-win Thunder team shows he can carry a franchise, and their young core offers a championship window over the next 5-8 years.
- Fan Buzz: On platforms like X, fans are already calling SGA the “best player in the world,” predicting a 2025 championship and Finals MVP. This momentum could amplify his legacy.
SGA still has hurdles
- Historical Bar: Jordan’s 5 MVPs and 6 titles, LeBron’s 4 MVPs and 4 titles, and Kareem’s 6 MVPs and 6 titles are monumental benchmarks. SGA would need 2-3 more MVPs and 4-6 championships to compete.
- Competition: Stars like Nikola Jokić 3 MVPs, Giannis Antetokounmpo 2 MVPs, and rising star Victor Wembanyama could dominate accolades and titles, limiting SGA’s hardware.
- Explosive Scoring: While SGA’s consistency is elite (91% of games between 20-40 points), his career-high of 45 points and only 14 40-point games pale next to Jordan’s or Kobe’s scoring outbursts.
- Championship Luck: Titles require roster support and favorable matchups. The Thunder face a stacked Western Conference.
How Does SGA Stack Up So Far?
Here’s SGA’s 2024-25 season compared to peak seasons of GOAT contenders:
| Player | Season | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | TS% | Team Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGA | 2024-25 | 32.7 | 5.0 | 6.4 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 51.9% | 64.5% | 68-14 |
| Jordan | 1988-89 | 32.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 53.8% | 61.4% | 47-35 |
| James | 2012-13 | 26.8 | 8.0 | 7.3 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 56.5% | 64.0% | 66-16 |
| Kareem | 1971-72 | 34.8 | 16.6 | 4.6 | – | – | 57.4% | 60.3% | 63-19 |
SGA’s efficiency and two-way impact rival these legends, but he’ll need to sustain this for years and pile up championships to close the gap.
The Verdict he has A Real Shot, But a Long Road
So, does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have a good chance at becoming the greatest basketball player ever?
Realistically, his odds are slim perhaps 2-5% given the towering legacies of Jordan, LeBron, and others. His trajectory is undeniable. If he wins 1-2 titles and another MVP in the next five years, he could enter the top 10-15 all-time conversation, with a 20-30% chance of being a top-5 player in the league during his prime. To claim the GOAT crown, he’d need an unprecedented run: 4-6 championships, 2-3 more MVPs, and a global cultural impact over the next decade.
SGA’s efficiency, leadership, and youth make him a legitimate contender to rewrite the NBA’s hierarchy. While the path to “best ever” is steep, his 2024-25 season proves he’s got the tools to chase greatness. If the Thunder’s young core delivers and SGA keeps ascending, the basketball world might just witness a new legend rise. For now, the question isn’t whether SGA can be great—he already is—but whether he can become the greatest.
What do you think his chances are?
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