Despite stellar play, this rising NBA star seems undervalued
Coming off a career-best season in the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing lights-out for Canada at the FIBA World Cup. Statistically, the Oklahoma City star and All-NBA first-teamer is the best player in the tournament.
Despite his standout play, media pundits continue to undervalue him. In his list of top five players at the World Cup, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins pegged SGA fourth.
In a 100-89 win over Slovenia on Wednesday, securing Canada a spot in the semifinals against Serbia, SGA clearly outplayed Perkins' No. 2 player, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
Gilgeous-Alexander was remarkable last season for Oklahoma City, averaging 31.4 points, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds and posting a shooting split of 51/34.5/90.5.
Per SportingNews.com, Oklahoma City's over/under win total before last season was 24.5, third lowest in the NBA. With SGA leading the way, the Thunder won 40 regular-season games and advanced to the play-in tournament.
In a recent interview on the "SloaneKnows" podcast, 12-time All-Star Chris Paul was asked about the player whose growth he's most impressed with.
"Over my career, man I'd probably say Shai," he said. "Seeing how his game has just gone to a whole 'nother level. I'm so happy for him."
With a healthy Chet Holmgren rejoining a young and promising Thunder roster, Gilgeous-Alexander should be squarely in the MVP conversation. But he isn't. Per OddsChecker, SGA barely makes the top 10, ranking ninth.
If the Thunder can earn a top-four seed and SGA continues his stellar play, he could easily challenge heavy favorites Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for league MVP.
Don't underestimate Gilgeous-Alexander. He's an ascending superstar.
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