Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Already A Hall-of-Fame Player
NBA writer Sam Amick believes Gilgeous-Alexander has earned a HOF spot
The NBA world is witnessing greatness from Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With his remarkable season, many believe he has already achieved the highest accolade.
On a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, NBA writer Sam Amick said Gilgeous-Alexander will get a Hall-of-Fame selection when his career is done.
"MVPs get to the Hall [of Fame]. Check that box for Shai. Championship, check that box. If you add a Finals MVP, yes, this is Hall of Fame-type stuff.” - Sam Amick
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is decorated with many great basketball players. Although Gilgeous-Alexander is only in his seventh season, he has put together performances that warrant a Hall-of-Fame selection.
Gilgeous-Alexander was prepared for greatness
Before entering the NBA, Gilgeous-Alexander played one year at the University of Kentucky. While playing there, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals.
After Kentucky lost to Kansas State in the Elite Eight, he declared for the 2018 NBA draft.
Gilgeous-Alexander was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the 11th overall pick. However, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for the 12th pick, Miles Bridges.
While playing all 82 games in his first year, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals. He earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team while finishing eighth in voting for the Rookie of the Year award.
OKC offered Gilgeous-Alexander a big break
After losing in the Western Conference first round for the second time in three years, the Clippers wanted to channel their focus on building a championship roster.
On July 10, 2019, the Clippers decided to trade Gilgeous-Alexander, along with draft picks and the right to swap two other picks, to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George.
Gilgeous-Alexander would later benefit from the trade. Throughout his first three years in Oklahoma City, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals. However, he dealt with numerous injuries, mainly to his feet and ankles.
The 2022-23 campaign was a breakthrough one for him. That year, he averaged 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. In addition to receiving his first All-Star and All-NBA selections, he finished fifth in MVP and seventh in Clutch Player of the Year voting.
This season was historic for Gilgeous-Alexander. While leading the league in scoring with an average of 32.7 points, he also logged 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks. He also had four games with 50-plus points, becoming just the 12th player in history with four or more 50-point games.
Gilgeous-Alexander has already put together a noble resume. If he goes on to win the championship this year, his chances of entering the Hall of Fame will increase tremendously.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson