Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has A Higher 2K23 Rating Than Kawhi Leonard And Paul George

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely one of the best breakout players this season, and there's no doubt that he's blossomed into a legitimate star-level player. As of right now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the offensive engine for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 30.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 5.6 APG.

During the 2019 offseason, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a trade that landed the Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George. Obviously, this happened due to Kawhi Leonard wanting to join the Clippers in free agency, and the Clippers traded for Paul George to ensure he had a top-tier co-star.

There's an argument that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a better player than both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George this season. In fact, as of right now, he has a higher 2K23 rating than both Clippers stars.

Obviously, it is a little early to put Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over both stars definitively, especially over Kawhi Leonard, who has looked much like his superstar self as of late. It'll be interesting to see how Gilgeous-Alexander develops though. He should be a serious contender for the Most Improved Player award, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely looking like he'll be a top-tier player for years to come.

Doc Rivers Was Unsure About Trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Though it was viewed as a good deal at the time, it seems as though some people had doubts about moving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Paul George trade. In fact, Doc Rivers, who was the Clippers' coach at the time, claimed that he was "not so sure" about making the deal.

“One of my favorite guys,” Rivers said. “Reminds me a lot of Tyrese [Maxey] just as far as his approach. He’s one of those young guys in his rookie year that you couldn’t coach enough. That loved being coached, overworked and stood for everything that’s good in the game. I say the same thing about Tyrese. I’ve had several those (type of players) but (Gilgeous-Alexander) stands out. Quiet demeanor but tough, and you knew this was coming. At least I did. I believe that. The day we decided to make that move when I was in L.A., I was not so sure about it — even though what we did was phenomenal, too. I kept thinking this kid’s gonna be special, and I’m really happy that he is because he’s a good kid.” 

The Los Angeles Clippers have obviously not won a championship during the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George era, so the trade has definitely been a disappointment for them. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder have definitely benefitted from this deal, as they got a top-tier player and plenty of draft compensation.

It is obviously still too early to say that the Los Angeles Clippers have definitively lost the trade, as they could end up winning the championship this season. However, it is fun to wonder what would have happened if the Clippers kept Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and paired him with Kawhi Leonard.