NBA

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander The Best Player In OKC Thunder History?

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Anthony Cardenas
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Anthony Cardenas Sports Editor

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Published23 May 2025

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hoisted the 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player trophy before Thursday’s game, becoming the third player in Oklahoma City Thunder history to do so. But do his accomplishments outshine those of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to be able to be considered the greatest player in franchise history?

Perkins Calls SGA The Best Player In Thunder History

At least one NBA voice, and a former OKC player himself, believes so. On ESPN on Friday afternoon, Kendrick Perkins gave his opinion on where SGA stands in comparison to those who have come before him.

“The greatest Thunder of all time”, is how Perkins framed his argument, and went into detail on why he believes it to be true. He pointed out SGA’s three-year run of 30+ points per game on 50%+ shooting, as well as the MVP honors that he was awarded with this year.

But what will set him apart, Perkins believes, is based on the prediction that Gilgeous-Alexander will in NBA Finals MVP and bring OKC their first championship. The Thunder currently have a commanding 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, and are turning into heavy championship favorites as they now sit with a -295 designation (implied odds of 74%).

It would be hard to argue Perkins’ opinion if indeed the Thunder go on to win it all. It would be hard to imagine anyone dethroning a player like Kevin Durant, or the triple-double king in Russell Westbrook. But SGA has accomplished enough in his six years with the team to at least start the argument, and bringing the city its first title would push him over the top.

The Thunder broke records this season with their point differential and the manner in which they defeated their opponents. Their 68 wins were by far the most in franchise history, with the next three highest win totals coming when the team was the Seattle SuperSonics. While in Oklahoma City, they had only reached the 60-win plateau once before.