Since his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into a standout player in NBA history.
At the age of 28, Gilgeous-Alexander has outpaced many peers, boasting four All-Star selections, four first-team All-Pro titles, and two league MVP honors. His leadership was instrumental in securing Oklahoma City’s first NBA championship in 2025, where he earned the Finals MVP award.
In a thrilling Western Conference Finals, the Thunder matched the San Antonio Spurs and came within one victory of facing the New York Knicks in the Finals, a matchup that could have crowned them champions.
During an interview with Sean Gregory from Time, Gilgeous-Alexander confidently stated his belief as the league’s top player: “I think I’m the best player in the NBA. I think the production that I have night in and night out is best-player-in-the-NBA production. I think the efficiency that I do it at is best-player-in-the-NBA efficiency. I think everybody picks up a basketball or a soccer ball or a football or a tennis ball to win the game, the match, whatever it is. And I’ve done my fair share of winning in these past couple years.”
“I think I’m the best player in the NBA,” he declared.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishments are striking. He set a new record by breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s mark for consecutive games with 20 or more points, achieving 127 straight games and surpassing Chamberlain’s record from 1963 during a 35-point win against the Celtics. His streak included an average of 32.5 points on 53.5% shooting, featuring five games with over 50 points, a career-high 55 points, and an impressive team record of 103-24.
Last season, he averaged 31.1 points, with a career-best of 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 55.3% from the field, 38.6% from three, and 87.9% from the free-throw line. He scores efficiently from all areas of the court, excels at reaching the rim, frequently draws fouls, and maintains a top-tier pull-up jumper.
With no indications of slowing down, the Thunder remain on track for continued success with Gilgeous-Alexander leading alongside teammates Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.