Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter another matchup with the San Antonio Spurs carrying the weight of recent results, per Sports Illustrated. Three straight losses to San Antonio over a short stretch have fueled questions about Oklahoma City’s edge, even with one of the league’s most dominant lead guards at the controls. As the teams meet again at Paycom Center, the conversation around point guard excellence feels timely, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sitting at the center of it.
The modern NBA has never been deeper at point guard. Night after night, elite guards control pace, bend defenses, and decide games in the final minutes. The league continues to search for a true standard bearer at the position. According to Carmelo Anthony, that discussion begins with two names, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson.
Anthony shared his perspective on the latest episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, breaking down what separates the top tier from the rest of a crowded field, per The Sports Rush. His answer focused less on labels and more on consistency, control, and the ability to impose will on a game.
Why Carmelo Anthony Sees Brunson as the Blueprint
Anthony started with Brunson, a nod that carried extra weight given Brunson’s rise in New York. He pointed to Brunson’s command of the floor, his comfort manipulating defenders, and his physicality despite his size.
“JB is different,” Anthony said. “For size, impact, presence, manipulation of the game. Manipulation of defenses. I can post. If I really want to, I can post. I’ve said it earlier, he’s one of the most consistent guys in the NBA. F*** point guard. Of everybody.”
That consistency has defined Brunson’s recent run. His ability to close games, absorb pressure, and dictate tempo has turned him into a reference point for what teams want from the position. Anthony framed Brunson not just as a great guard, but as a player whose reliability separates him from nightly fluctuations that define even elite scorers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Case for 1 and 1A
Anthony made it clear that Brunson does not stand alone. In the same breath, he placed Gilgeous-Alexander right beside him, calling the Thunder star a model of repeatable dominance.
“Shai is another one of those guys who is very consistent,” Anthony said. “He’s gonna get his 30, and he’s gonna do it the same f****** way. And you can’t do nothing about it. That’s the hardest thing.”
Even as Oklahoma City has shown vulnerability during its recent stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander’s production has remained steady. Anthony framed that steadiness as the ultimate separator. Defensive schemes change. Matchups vary. The result rarely does.
Anthony also addressed the next wave of challengers, noting that Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham continue to climb. He stopped short of elevating either into the top tier, citing body of work as the deciding factor.
“Shai is still that,” Anthony said. “It’s Shai and JB. They’re 1 and 1A. You can’t put Cade in there just yet. The body of work is not there.”
The debate may never settle into a single answer, and Anthony suggested that uncertainty benefits the league. With guards pushing the standard higher every season, the position remains the NBA’s engine, driven by players who force defenses to react rather than predict.