Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared his OKC Mount Rushmore
Since relocating in 2008, the Oklahoma City Thunder has been home to several Hall of Fame-worthy and All-Star caliber players.
Former MVP winners Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook carved out a legacy in Oklahoma City, while reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pioneered the franchise to its first NBA championship last season.
Notable All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, Paul George and Chris Paul also enjoyed stints with the Thunder.
Oklahoma City is one of just five teams with three different MVP winners.
When asked to categorize the franchise’s wealth of talent into a Mount Rushmore, Gilgeous-Alexander had an interesting response.
“Kevin Durant, Russ, James [Harden], and Paul George.”
Despite leading Oklahoma City to its first NBA championship, breaking a plethora of records and being awarded the MVP award at age 26, Gilgeous-Alexander left himself off the proposed OKC Mount Rushmore.
Perhaps he was just being modest and paying respects to the legends that paved the way before him. Or, maybe he genuinely believes that he’s a few milestones shy of joining the Oklahoma City elite.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Already a Thunder Legend
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander has won a scoring title and MVP in OKC
Regardless of whether he deserves a spot on a Thunder-inspired Mount Rushmore, Gilgeous-Alexander has earned his status as a franchise legend.
The Canadian guard has already achieved the highest peaks in the sport: winning an NBA Championship, MVP and Finals MVP award.
Additionally, his three (and soon to be four) All-Star appearances are the third-most in Thunder history.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault recently commented on what makes Gilgeous-Alexander such an elite scorer.
“Thecommitmentthathehastothegame,hiscraft,theteam—he’salwaysincharacteronthatstuff.HeisruthlesslyconsistentintheinvisiblespacesthatIseethatyouguysdon’t,andthere’sprobably100morethatIdon’tseethathe’stakencareof.Itisnoaccidentthatheistheplayerthatheis;hehasliterallychiseledhimselfintothisplayer.”
Gilgeous-Alexander holds the second-longest NBA streak for consecutive games with 20+ points, currently at 106 entering Saturday, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 games.
He became the second player ever to reach 100 such games.
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The Oklahoma City star has shown no signs of slowing down, either. In December, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 31.4 points and 6.1 assists on 59 percent field goal shooting.
For his efforts, Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for the second time this season.
SGA Belongs Among the Thunder Elite
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander is an all-time Thunder great
Although the former Finals MVP opted for the humble route when listing his Mount Rushmore of Thunder players, it’s evident that he belongs in that conversation.
The iconic duo of Durant and Westbrook, who each boast an MVP award and scoring title, is virtually a lock.
Behind them, one could argue that Gilgeous-Alexander deserves a slot in the franchise’s Top 4 rankings.
James Harden was a phenomenal homegrown talent for Oklahoma City, and even won Sixth Man of the Year with the franchise, but his true stardom began in Houston.
Paul George enjoyed a successful, albeit brief, stint in Oklahoma City. He finished the 2018 season in the Top 3 in MVP voting and temporarily helped fill the scoring void left by Durant.
With that said, neither George nor Harden achieved the heights Gilgeous-Alexander has reached in Oklahoma City.
Perhaps with another title run, Gilgeous-Alexander will finally view himself among the franchise elite.