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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Better Than Michael Jordan, Claims Former Bulls Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 11:46 AM ET

There’s no denying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just delivered one of the most impressive seasons in NBA history. The Oklahoma City Thunder star led his team to a championship, outlasting the Indiana Pacers in seven games and capping a year that will be remembered for decades.

Now, the debate has turned to where Gilgeous-Alexander fits among the game’s all-time greats.

In doing so, the Thunder guard joined elite company. He became just the fourth player in NBA history to win a scoring title, regular-season MVP, and finals MVP in the same season, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal.

That rare feat prompted former NBA All-Star Metta Sandiford-Artest, formerly known as Ron Artest, to drop a bold comparison: that at times, SGA is better than Michael Jordan.

"People laughed at my quote with I said “at times” @shaiglalex is better than MJ. Explain this . Shai is 1st ballot and will get more than 3 rings.

People laughed at my quote with I said “at times” @shaiglalex is better than MJ.
Explain this . Shai is 1st ballot and will get more than 3 rings. pic.twitter.com/i9zkq84VF5
— Coach Metta (@MettaWorld37) June 25, 2025

That statement was originally made during the Western Conference finals between the Thunder and Timberwolves. In an interview with Essentially Sports, he expanded on the idea:

“I think SGA is at times better than Michael Jordan. At times, when you look at SGA’s games, he is the best basketball player that probably touched the front, top and bottom…Every move you ever dreamed of.”

Speaking on the podcast "Casuals with Katie Nolan," Sandiford-Artest elaborated:

"Michael Jordan’s done things nobody has ever done, and it looks so elegant. But SGA, the way he plays the game, through the legs, behind the back, step back, crossover, spins, it’s exactly how he wants to play it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his smooth, methodical style and advanced footwork, has quickly risen to the top of the league. His ability to control tempo and get to his spots on the floor has drawn comparisons to past greats, but few expected his name to be mentioned alongside Jordan, let alone ahead of him.

Sandiford-Artest, a 6-foot-7 forward, played for the Chicago Bulls from 1999 to 2002 before helping Kobe Bryant and the Lakers win the 2010 NBA title. He was an All-Star in 2004 and played for six NBA teams during his career, which spanned from 1999 to 2017. He’s perhaps best remembered for the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” brawl, which led to an 86-game suspension.

Michael Jordan, of course, remains the gold standard. He was a six-time NBA champion and won finals MVP every time. He also claimed five regular season MVPs and was selected to 14 All-Star games. Jordan finished his career with 32,292 points, averaging 30.1 per game.

Whether SGA ever reaches that kind of legacy is still up for debate, but in the eyes of at least one former All-Star, he’s already there at times.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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