Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the greatest Thunder player ever?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 30.3 points per game in the series and solidifying himself as the face of the franchise. But does this Finals run make him the greatest Thunder player of all time?

It’s a question that deserves a slight pause.

Gilgeous-Alexander has done what Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden couldn’t: bring a title to OKC. His calm in clutch moments, leadership by example, and postseason poise now belong to the history books. But for many, including myself, Kevin Durant still holds the crown, despite the controversial departure in 2016.

Durant was a league MVP, a four-time scoring champ and led OKC to the Finals in 2012. Westbrook, with his triple-double dominance and MVP season, etched his own legendary run. Harden was a Sixth Man of the Year. And let’s not forget the loyalty of Nick Collison or the grit of Steven Adams, who embodied the Thunder culture.

But the Thunder never reached the mountaintop—until now. Shai’s title gives him an edge, and at just 26 years old, his story is still being written. If championships are the ultimate measuring stick, this may only be the beginning of his GOAT campaign in Oklahoma City.

Right now, Shai isn’t the greatest Thunder ever—but he’s on the doorstep, and if he stays the course, he might slam that door shut sooner than we think.