December 17, 1997; Chicago, IL;Chicago's Michael Jordan (23), bottom, is guarded by LA's Kobe Bryant (8) in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY NETWORK USA TODAY-USA TODAY NETWORK

ESPN Analyst: It's Time For Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan To Make Room For New Kid

Originally posted on Back in the Day NBA on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 5:20 PM ET

Michael Jordan is generally regarded as the best shooting guard in NBA history. A close second is Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant. No. 3 is Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade.

Now, there is a new player trying to earn a spot in the room. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played the last two seasons like he's deserving of a seat at the table. Even ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins thinks so.

He made a bold claim about Gilgeous-Alexander Monday on NBA Today.

"He's best perimeter player in basketball," Perkins said. "He's knocking at the door of being the best player in basketball. He's efficient like Jordan. He's relentless like Kobe Bryant.

"He's dethroned Kevin Durant in my opinion right now as the best scorer in the league. He has zero flaws."

- Kendrick Perkins on SGA

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )

pic.twitter.com/o1GcI7d8yV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 9, 2025

Jordan and Bryant were known as "killers" during their playing days. They combined for 11 championships, six MVPs, eight Finals MVPs and 12 scoring titles.

Gilgeous-Alexander has already won the scoring the title this season and was named MVP. He led the Thunder to a league-best 68-14 record. They stand three games from winning the championship after breeing through the Western Conference playoffs.

Gilgeous-Alexander has carried his regular season into the postseason. He is averaging 36 points in the Finals, including 38 in Sunday's victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 2.

"When it comes down to how he attacks and how efficient he is, especially from the midrange ... he's dethroned Kevin Durant in my opinion as the best scorer right now as the best scorer in the league," Perkins said. "He has zero flaws."

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This article first appeared on Back in the Day NBA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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