As the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to rise as contenders, the number of nationally televised games will increase.
This gives media personalities such as Shaquille O’Neal, who is part of TNT’s famous four-man panel, a chance to offer his thoughts on Thunder players. He did exactly that with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander before OKC’s loss to the LA Clippers on Tuesday.
When discussing Gilgeous-Alexander and his MVP-type season, the Hall-of-Famer spoke highly of the 25-year-old and boldly stated he’d take him over Luka Doncic.
“I’m gonna have to take him,” O’Neal said when asked which of the two he’d take. “Luka is a fabulous player, but this kid? Listen, he plays the right way, gets his teammates involved. When he puts his head down, goes to the basket. …
“I’m taking him right now. He’s definitely emerged as one of my favorite players to watch. I like stories like this — guys that come out of nowhere and are a force to be reckoned with. He’s a hell of a player right now.”
Shaq says he'd take SGA over Luka right now 👀
“I’m gonna have to take [SGA]. Luka is a fabulous player but this kid? He plays the right way [and] gets his teammates involved. … I’m taking him right now. He’s a hell of a player right now.” pic.twitter.com/apYBmLT5Am
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 17, 2024
Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has been special to watch unfold over the last two seasons. He joins a long lineage of Thunder players who’ve blossomed into one of the best players in the league.
The fact that a legitimate argument could be made between Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic — one of the best players in the league — speaks volumes about the former’s rapid ascension to the upper echelon of players.
After finishing on the All-NBA first team last season, expect Gilgeous-Alexander to make another strong case for back-to-back considerations.
In 39 games, he’s averaging 31 points on 55.2% shooting, 6.3 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals. He’s headlined the second-place Thunder’s 27-13 record.
