Photo credit: time (Instagram)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made his case for being the NBA’s best player.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star recently spoke with TIME ahead of the team’s season opener on Oct. 20. During the interview, Gilgeous-Alexander said his production and efficiency put him in the conversation for the league’s top spot.
“I think the production that I have night in and night out is best-player-in-the-NBA production,” he said. “I think the efficiency that I do it at is best-player-in-the-NBA efficiency.”
The confident statement comes after several remarkable seasons for the 28-year-old guard.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the résumé
Gilgeous-Alexander has collected major individual honors during his rise to NBA stardom.
The Thunder guard has won back-to-back NBA MVP awards. He also became one of the few players in league history to win the regular-season MVP, scoring title and Finals MVP in the same season.
In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander has earned four All-Star selections and four All-NBA First Team honors.
He was also named the 2026 Clutch Player of the Year.
Those accomplishments have helped transform his reputation across the league. Gilgeous-Alexander entered the NBA as a relatively overlooked prospect. Now, he is regularly mentioned among the game’s elite players.
SGA has changed his reputation
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to the top has not followed the usual superstar path.
He was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
A year later, he became part of the blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles. The Thunder acquired Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and multiple draft picks in the deal.
At the time, much of the attention centered on George.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander steadily developed into the centerpiece of Oklahoma City’s franchise.
His scoring style has also become one of his biggest strengths. He uses changes of speed, quick stops and precise footwork to create space and attack the basket.
That approach helped him break Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with at least 20 points in March.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brings style off the court
Gilgeous-Alexander has also built a reputation beyond basketball.
The NBA star is known for his fashion choices before and after Thunder games. He has also appeared at the Met Gala and walked the runway during Paris Fashion Week.
His fashion profile has made him one of the league’s most recognizable style figures.
Still, basketball remains the focus.
With another season approaching, Gilgeous-Alexander is entering the campaign with the confidence of a player who believes he has already earned his place at the top.
The Thunder open their season on Oct. 20.
For SGA, the goal is clear. He wants his production on the court to continue making the argument that he belongs in the NBA’s No. 1 conversation.
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