Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the NBA's newest superstar?

How good is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2023? How would he fit on a better team? And what are his defensive limitations? This detailed film room analysis looks at the Thunder star guard, incorporating data and stats to understand his driving game, midrange explosion, and just how impactful he might be.
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Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
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stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@mattnoonan6519]

The fact that he’s doing all of this on a low volume of 3s is outstanding. Him and Giddey have been PHENOMENAL together lately.

[@ARmirzaful]

It’s the headband, that’s the difference.

[@t4d0W]

Because you need balance on offense when you play team ball. SGA in that one playoff season with CP3 years ago didn't have as much touches because there were more shot creators/playmakers. This time around for OKC there aren't as much shot creators but consequently, more spot up 3-ball shooters. SGAs game also evolve to being one of the best below the rim finishers so the mid range game opens up for him than his teammates.

[@yasso2031]

giddey has been alright but they don't work together

[@OKCoolRancher]

@@yasso2031 giddey has been 50/40/90 since December 1st averaging 17/8/6. He's been fantastic this season.

[@Doonesh]

@@yasso2031 what??? What about them doesn’t work

[@matthewchen9967]

Was here for the first video when he was traded for Paul George... he really ended up becoming a near top-10 player. Looking forward to what OKC can build in the future

[@directrecaps]

While Clippers become a midtable team without winning a title yet. It's weird how things become

[@cvhashim]

They took a big risk and it hasn’t worked out. They have a deep bench and trade pieces. Personally think they should do everything they can to get Luka to LA while trying to move Kawhi out of there.

[@kode-man23]

I was not able to understand how they were able to get so much draft capital... and then also SGA.

[@directrecaps]

@@kode-man23 Apparently that's what they needed to do to get Kawhi

[@directrecaps]

@@cvhashim i dont think Luka is interested in leaving Dallas. All European stars seems to show loyalty to their team tbh

[@joelrod18]

I’ve been sold on SGA since his Clippers knowing he had elite potential but I didn’t expect him to be so good so fast. Great talent + patience with an amazing feel for the game. Not to mention other attributes like size, shiftiness and efficiency. The difference maker imo for his ability to score despite not relying on the 3 ball is his off-timing and awkwardness (ex: right hand lay off right foot) 100% ALLSTAR player

[@TORGERR]

Agree with everything you said, except he’s 100% an ALL NBA player

[@mrvk39]

I was also a fan since his Clippers playoff run. BUT, i never expected him to be THIS good. I thought he would be a sub all-star guy. He is making a case to be a superstar now.

[@tolbertowusu7244]

My favorite NBA player . I remember the video you made of him during his second year when he got traded to the thunder . Great content

[@MoralesCorner]

SGA is truly a delight to watch. He always looked like a potential superstar to me. His fundamentals are on point, there's nothing he can't do when it comes to shredding a defense. He plays at his own pace and controls the game like a real star. The dude is just pure class.

[@zachgordon9273]

As someone who watches every thunder game, this dude is such an underrated defender

[@vsnei]

@Ali Lamar yea, he’s not a underrated defender at all lmao

[@zachgordon9273]

I just feel that as he has grown offensively people have kinda stopped caring abt his defense, although not this video

[@duffal0]

@Ali Lamar no, lol he was a poor defender every season up until this season where he took a MASSIVE defensive leap. He was always a very good scorer, he just never shot it too much so he wouldn’t get those 40 point games all the time.

[@vsnei]

@@zachgordon9273 true

[@coldheart96]

Always a great detailed video! Your videos greatly improved my understanding of the game as a fan.

[@Jayson_Tatum]

The answer is yes, he is. He's scoring for free and plays really good and active defense too. He's incredible

[@DamianLillardno1glazer]

real superstars can carry their team to the playoffs

[@onetakechop3947]

@@DamianLillardno1glazeris lebron is superstar?

[@ldn_rumrunner]

@@DamianLillardno1glazerI see you forgot to follow the NBA since about 2005

[@DamianLillardno1glazer]

@@onetakechop3947 well not anymore he isnt

[@tridra5714]

It seems you didn't watch the video

[@LukaLegend77]

Top 7 NBA Players under 25 Years Old? Find out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIjRi3p_r8mDfNk

[@bluefurby5251]

I think he'll be fine with other ball dominant players since he played with CP3 back in the 2020 season and was effective

[@jioreyes5838]

To be fair it is cp3

[@mrvk39]

he should be fine with a scoring big, which Chet might become. He could be fine even with a scoring PG like Kyrie or Dame but that is less certain. He is too skilled, too high-IQ not to coexist with another big scorer as long as that scorer also has IQ and unselfishness like SGA.

[@ethanfloyd431]

cp3 isnt a crazy ball dominant player so tht statement holds no weight

[@kylelee3576]

Thank you for this Ben! I remember asking you to do a video on Shai last season and you seemed excited about it. Glad to finally get it.

[@t4d0W]

I gotta say profile vids you and J Kyle Mann did on SGA really helped me understand the kind of skillset he has and what to expect of his game as he matured. Didn't really factor in his improved lower body strength but the result is exactly a better burst on his drive overall. Which led more consistent ways to finish at the hoop and the ability to hone on a mid-range game. Kinda explains how his 3FGAs from early his career tailed off (but as mentioned he's still a good spot up 3-ball threat). I think he could find his way in the last spot of the top 10 players of 2022-23 season given his dominance as a regular season scorer. But I too am curious how his game opens up if he gets talent thats as good/just a notch below his level that he can play with.

[@Boltpacalypse]

Since this video he has improved his passing greatly into and out of offensive actions in the half court

[@trenhen4311]

And his defence has taken a leap. Players shooting on him have incredibly low fg%. I still feel he has room to grow too which is crazy cuz he’s a top 3 mvp candidate rn. Can’t wait to see him in the playoffs. I do feel he can struggle against double teams when they’re thrown at him so we’ll have to c how defences scheme against him

[@WUSTL7]

That turnaround mid range fadeaway from the post is textbook Kobe.

[@Eggmancan]

I keep my own weekly homebrew MVP tracker and SGA snuck in at #10 this week. He's def taken another leap forward this season, and I'm excited to see what the Thunder will be like once they get a 2nd star to play alongside him.

[@behindthearcyt]

he had been playing like a top 10 player in the league this szn can’t wait until chet comes back next szn and okc gets more shooting around shai to give him more space on his drives and in the midrange area

[@soulslayer434]

Finally got many Allstar Caliber Canadians in the NBA at the same time. Shai, Wiggins and Murray (RJ Barrett also good and Rookie Bennedict Mathurin has great potential). If Shai continues this play he is already looking to be the 2nd best Canadian player after Steve Nash.

[@ilai7893]

Was gonna say the same thing. Murray, Shai, Wiggins, Barrett (plus Dort, Mathurin) as guards/ wings and Boucher/ Powell/ Olynyk as bigs is a solid core for the national team

[@soulslayer434]

@@ilai7893 yah if only all were healthy/wanted to play for the team we'd actually have a chance at competing with the best.

[@futurehofer1564]

and Zach Edey holding it down as a center

[@duffal0]

I think he already is the 2nd best after Nash right now. Could definitely end up being the best.

[@ShadowCeltic]

Shai is awesome to see. Been watching him since the clippers and his improvement skyrocketed. Happy to always catch some games with him

[@tylerriley5976]

He’s an all star and got superstar potentiall.

[@BennyZ21k]

SGA is the only person I like seeing get to the line 10+ times a game

[@bignoob24]

Me too :)

[@VicDamoneJr82]

Why is that

[@xJeffHD]

@@VicDamoneJr82 probably because he leads the league in drives so it’s natural. with guys like Embiid and harden you see them flop, cry and get many unnatural free throws.

[@arcticus4758]

@@VicDamoneJr82 because he actually earns it. You almost never see Shai flop or exaggerate to draw a foul, which is very refreshing these days.

[@injusticeanywherethreatens265]

ya one thing that has made me watch far fewer games are those unnatural soccer floppers of basketball like LBJ, Embiid, and harden who get like 20 charity stripe shots a game...while acting like babies!

[@NiyiDaNinja]

3:52 Wtf is that finish??? Insane lol

[@tszfungshin5971]

Great breakdown. I like how you also explore his flaws and suggest ways of improvment

[@bignoob24]

This man gets too many Buckets and I love it, been supporting him since the Bubble.

[@loganmisiak5573]

Great Player for sure! 2018 Draft best draft class since 2003!

[@coulsonthurgood2840]

I have missed this player profiles! Great to have another

[@yomomshouse100]

6'6 with a nearly 7 ft wingspan and point guard skills, bros potential is crazy. And he even copies nash and currys free throw routine so you know hes a student of the game.

[@flounder4285]

I remember Shai put up 20-20-10 in a game back in 2020. Dudes a beast

[@davidjoseph5366]

Love all your content - would love to see breakdown videos like this for great players in the past. Paul Pierce specifically (if I can be greedy) but anyone you analyze is always worth watching. 🥂

[@pinoyheartbeat7245]

Instant fan of SGA from the Philippines. Love guards who are driving to the basket instead of just settling for outside snipes.

[@s1074007]

Did not expect him to be such a superstar. Thought okc needed another star for the team.

[@ryanb7186]

Well, they do, but if they get a star through the draft, they stand a much better chance of contending in the coming years.

[@Heartbrayk.]

You gotta watch what Lou Will said about him

[@timpacx]

chet holmgren

[@t4d0W]

He def needs another dynamic bucket getter who can take touches from him. He can still do damage getting 16 FGAs a night to his high diet of 20 FGAs currently and would allow more off-ball/varied playmaking from him.

[@artLopez24]

They still need another star…giddy ain’t that guy in my opinion and we haven’t seen Chet yet (he’ll prolly be good tho)

[@harryli5979]

turn and run when beat on ball is not only not a bad thing, but it is the better technique/movement pattern compared to sliding.

[@joshuaclarendon9829]

As a thunder fan i hope to God we become an actually decent team soon so we dont waste shais prime or have to trade him. His playstyle is so unique and fun to watch i wanna see it for years to come

[@duffal0]

It’s so obvious unless things go absolutely off the rails, that we will be a perennial playoff contender starting possibly as soon as this year

[@coledorillo6685]

OKC and good scouting. Name a more iconic duo

[@DoubleclickforLs]

OKC and bad GMs

[@Muhammad-qm3ig]

@@DoubleclickforLs you mean bad coaches

[@t4d0W]

LOL I mean they gotta scout. Only way they get a shot at talent is the draft since the team isn't exactly a dreamy FA destination. Getting Giddey at that spot with Kuminga, Suggs, Franz Wagner and Davion Mitchell around is going beyond dodging the mine fields. Considering nobody else had Giddey in their scouting radars.

[@sheadoresmike]

if u been a shai fan it’s feels good finally seeing him getting his flowers one good year is all it takes and he’s definitely having that year 😎

[@knicksnation9476]

RJ BARRET AND KNICKS ARE BETTER

[@SeanMeade]

I like how in your emphasis on statistics, you show examples of good passes or good looks that didn't succeed.

[@loooooop-2]

The Ben Taylor SGA breakdown is a dream come true😭

[@jay4our766]

Liked before the video started because this channel is consistently quality.

[@jesses5465]

It will be exciting to see him this summer in the Fiba tournament. Will be ultra competitive and a great test for him.

[@exquisitemeat5845]

Shai "Gorgeous" Alexander is a fantastic watch. His drives are picturesque and, well, gorgeous. Seems to have a great attitude on the court as well, definitely a great player to root for.

[@yyzsank]

can we get an update on pascal siakam?? I can't tell if he's taken another huge leap or not yet

[@LijeeWin]

If you didn't know this was coming welcome! We were balling last year until he got injured and we shut him down. That year with CP3 gave him a boost and it's all coming together

[@playaAra]

Been LOOOONNGGGG saying this man is HIM. He is and just imagine with Chet and one more floor spacing SF/PF... i'm genuinely in love with this man. haha.. Love the video!

[@lyfepoetic]

My favorite non Celtic . Love his pace when he plays.

[@sniper.jay_]

Getting beat by slow mo is crazy 💀💀💀 7:11

[@girroh9117]

gotta love how he just puts his head down and puts up all these numbers. can't hate the guy

[@cottonisbaked]

The most underrated point guard in the league currently

[@EndietheEnderman]

overrated, and is a SG

[@maartenvz]

I think jrue holiday is the most underrated pg in the league. I have hope this might be the year he finally makes the all star game

[@duffal0]

@@EndietheEnderman he is a point guard, so you calling him a shooting guard just shows you don’t watch him lol. And no he’s pretty underrated. He was the most underrated last year, but I would say now Tyrese is probably the most underrated.

[@epicvicroyepic6725]

Another great video as usual

[@brads4231]

I think a healthy Chet helps SGAs defense. A big man who can help clean up plays around the basket. OKC just doesn't have the size down there right now.

[@davidwoods7042]

So that’s the thing. The best playmakers are usually very good scorers. Defenses pay more attention to the scoring threat, opens up passing windows

[@enzogialdi8647]

Guys, love the video!! Could you make a video on why the warriors are struggling defensively this year?

[@ErroneousMonk1]

They have bad players who only care about scoring. And they're dysfunctional. No need for a video.

[@aenigma200x]

SGA is in the rare company of getting multiple thinking basketball profile videos

[@t4d0W]

It just shows that Shai's game was interesting enough with high potential to follow him as a young prospect and how he's grown 2 years later with something amazing to show for. Not just on box scores but also what the film consistently shows.

[@PokuHighlights]

After their centersss all down, their defenses starts to improve in Jan. pretty interesting to me

[@samn90834]

Mike Muscala is a very underrated player, good shooter and decent passer who is fundamentally sound defensively even when played as a 5. He’s somehow a +5 net rating per game on an average of just 14 mins

[@PokuHighlights]

@@samn90834 he’s good but it’s not majorly because of him. FYI Kenrich at 5 also have very good results But it’s more a team effort and I wanna know if that’s effort only or anything changed.

[@samn90834]

@@PokuHighlights oh yea I wasn’t saying it was, just felt like he deserved some praise haha. Yea Kenrich is such an valuable role player, I’m surprised a contender hasn’t come in for him already but hopefully the Thunder can keep him around cos they’re really gonna make some noise once Chet is healthy. I think it’s probably partly team effort, and partly as not running a centre benefits a switching scheme defensively, which suits the Thunder, Tre only gets about 20 mins a game and other than him Dort is the shortest dude, but he’s built like a linebacker. They’ve got a lot of versatile defenders

[@BWalker9313]

Shia’s playmaking will improve, once OKC gets better and he starts to trust his teammates more, those open shots will become more prominent. I think he wants to do it all by himself right now, but he’ll get better at that. He’ll also get better at D. He’s long and athletic, once those pieces start surrounding him, he’ll start to fit into a defensive system and the wins will come with it. OKC has a bright future with him at the head. 🇨🇦

[@atexandude8303]

I’m so excited to see what he does this season🤙

[@FalseNi9e]

All NBA level talent! 🔥

[@clevisbernier8973]

Definitely our best Canadian player. Canada is stacked now!

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@whatlez]

Shai and Lauri. Definitely the two new superstars

[@SonnyK248]

PG13 was so far traded for this guy, Tre Mann and J Dub. With three more first rounders and two more pick swaps to go 🤯

[@futurehofer1564]

yeah but without PG they wouldnt get Kawhi, so technically it is Kawhi and PG

[@SonnyK248]

@@futurehofer1564 Technically for who? Not OKC 🤣 They didn't give up two superstars for that haul. They were just smart enough to use the situation to fleece the Clippers to the moon and move their guy on for way way more than he was worth. If the Clippers GM was as smart as Presti then maybe he'd have planned ahead and moved for PG before the entire world found out that Kawhi was LA bound but only of they signed PG 🤷‍♂

[@EndietheEnderman]

PG better easy

[@SonnyK248]

@@EndietheEnderman so if you were the Thunder and you were offered Paul George for SGA, Mann, J Dub, three first round picks and two pick swaps you’d take that deal?

[@mattnoonan6519]

@@EndietheEnderman that’s a joke. You funny. 😂😂😂

[@oscarjames9080]

Cool video, but what happened to top 10 players of the 21-22 season?

[@mrmacross]

This may not be under the typical scope of your videos, but I'd love to see some analysis comparing workload intensity from the 80s to today. We hear so much info on how grueling the NBA schedule is and why we need a decompressed schedule with more off days, fewer back-to-backs, no more 4 games in 5 days, etc., yet players in the past played more games and more minutes per game. I figured if any NBA analyst could give some insights, it'd be this channel.

[@nonamewillbegiven7228]

1d1ot

[@jaredbeaudoin4184]

and thats not even taking his gram game into consideration. his style is even better than his game, and that’s saying something

[@chiefekonomist3914]

when the critique is as beautiful and sophisticated as the art it is describing...

[@mattnoonan6519]

Bro, his D is what is taking him to the next level. These clips are from the first 30 games… they are 6-4 in their last 10, but should be 7-3 if it wasn’t for that historic Miami free throw performance. Shai is averaging 1.1 blocks and 1.7 steals a game. He had 2 blocks on Embiid the other night. He’s getting it done on both ends and the team is responding.

[@vesper2950]

SGA or Lauri for most improved player? I’m giving it to the Finnisher, but wow is it close. SGA is the better player though

[@kiyenakira8987]

I see a lot of ginobili in his drives to the basket

[@mrvk39]

I think he is the most overlooked star in the NBA. I would argue he is on a verge of superstardom in his development. He should be in the conversation with guys like Mitchell, Young, Morant and Doncic (though Doncic and Morant are ahead in my view). He is scoring 30 points and is multi-dimensional as a passer and rebounder and a plus defender (until this year). The only knock on him could be that he is on a rebuilding team. BUT, these are not empty stats - his offensive efficiency is still elite among guards. Had he had a few veterans, he would lead them to playoffs. OKC is just in a deep rebuild mode and it is hurting his standing among casual fans.

[@tamvito4646]

Can you make a video on Lauri Markkanen, another MIP frontrunner this season?

[@augustosarmentodeoliveira3023]

7:46 what's also interesting in that possesion against the Magic is that Shai had been studying Franz Wagner all game and purposefully gave him his left side, knowing Wagner is more comfortable going right.

[@futurehofer1564]

or...he read it in the scouting report?

[@ry_an.]

It’s called a scouting report

[@ethanfloyd431]

lol looking back on this he said possible all nba ... how bout 1st team

[@Jayson_Tatum]

He deserves more talk for sure.

[@TheTEN24]

Don’t watch any thunder games and was wondering how this guy is averaging 30 a game. Definitely seems like he’s taken a jump and a balanced PG

[@duffal0]

As someone who has watched very Thunder game, there are so many times where he is like triple covered and throws up a shot, and I’m like there’s no way that’s going in… and every single time it goes in lol. He’s so good.

[@jaydensinclair3710]

SGA is a future Superstar if he can consistently break down opposing defences with his craftiness and decision making. Currently this season SGA is the third best offensive orchestrater behind luka and jokic

[@cleanfresh6718]

Thunder Fans as a Knicks fan would you be willing to trade him and what for. I swear I’d give up all 11 picks and whatever else

[@duffal0]

We wouldn’t trade him for literally anything. He’s completely untouchable lol.

[@somebodycomegether770]

they been talking about him saying hes next up for years. now he here

[@carson.4612]

And the fact OKC could get the 1st pick in next year’s draft is scary

[@OfficialTomsSkujinsFanClub]

he is criminally underrated

[@AidanXavier988]

Shai has such a unique playstyle, def my fave player rn #CanadaRepresent

[@GodDidMeWrong]

I like the way you described his defense: "leaky"

[@jameshoops10]

sga is that next line of big uk guards who develop better in the league (ie dbook & jmurray) hopefully shaedon sharpe is next up too

[@abuhrman989]

Giddey being the number 2 with SGA is the perfect 1 2 punch for both of them

[@connorlee1868]

Future all NBA player fosho

[@gyokeres31]

All-NBA this season

[@dsaraon]

Yo. What’s the background track ?

[@iscomoura7610]

Pls make a vid for Jalen Brunson! Dude should be an all star

[@chrisa9082]

having his offensive impact without taking many threes and not having a respectably spaced lineup is insane

[@m3lloszn]

Can we get a video on Westbrook’s defence. His advanced stats are bad but I think recently the eye test says otherwise

[@jayow3391]

yup

[@bigbrotherallstars43]

Patiently waiting for that Zion video still

[@libenhagos9335]

you ever think players watch videos like this about themselves and r like "damn yeah I am really nice though"

[@VelourSweatsuit]

😭

[@ry_an.]

Hundred percent

[@kishanprajapati7702]

I think one aspect of tanking overlooked is the coaching. Do teams get bad coaches just to tank? Or do they genuinely want a good coach and they excuse bad play because of a lack of talent? SGA is a stud. However, the Thunder should be getting better. Better discipline and teamwork. Perhaps we will see how winning is impacted when Shai gets a good team around him.

[@Heatlifer77]

ayee perfect timing

[@Samsonmanase]

He bringing that mid game back which i love from Kobe

[@fitznchipz5090]

Top 10 2022?

[@MrOctober44]

Nets and Kings fan. He's an all star.

[@mrvk39]

on SGA defense - I think he has some fundamental issues but it's mostly small things that are mitigated by his elite mobility and size. The bigger issue is that he is simply asked to do too much on OKC. He is the engine scorer and overused guys like that always lose steam on defense. Tatum and Brown, both, became far weaker defenders over the last few years vs. earlier in their careers for the same reason - they do too much on the offensive end. If Chet gets healthy and Williams and Giddey develop, next year OKC could become far more balanced and then SGA could shine again as a defender.

[@thrashyart4369]

Shai's gonna be the jordan or kobe of this era. 6'6 shooting guard with quick first step and craftiness to finish in the rim. Only need to show a killer instinct and a good coaching since he had all the best team mates in the world right now okc has tremendous amount of talent

[@willm5814]

Needs to come back to Canada

[@Kingflowh]

He has led me to the #1 seed in fantasy😆

[@oh-yt9ug]

if he played on a more popular/watched or played w a older star (lebron/kawhi/kd ect) he would def be pushed more by the media. he plays like a superstart tho

[@stevesofonnou3512]

This guy is just🔥🔥🔥

[@Roman-cv2pd]

Can you make a video on Lauri Markennen please