OKC Thunder: Projecting the team’s top 6 scorers for 2020-21

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Heading into his third NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can say he’s done things in the league that not many 22-year-olds can say they’ve done.

He’s been to the playoffs twice, led a playoff team in scoring, and has been handed the keys to a franchise.

At this point, there is no question about who the future of the OKC Thunder is.

SGA was, of course, acquired in the Paul George trade from last offseason and was seen as the future of the team, however not many expected him to show it so soon.

The combo guard averaged 19 points per game as a sophomore and led the Thunder in said category, despite having high-level veteran scorers on the team. Shai showcased his variety of skills in his first season in Oklahoma, from his scoring prowess, rebound tenacity, and natural defensive instincts.

SGA’s shooting numbers are pretty solid for a second-year guard, as he shot 47 percent from the field, almost 35 percent from three, and shot over 80 percent from the line.

These numbers are promising because they show that he can still be efficient despite the larger role from his rookie season.

OKC hopes this trend continues, and that he will have an even larger role being the primary ball-handler, now that CP3 and Dennis Schröder are gone.

In his media availability, the young baller said that he is excited about the new opportunity he has been given. Gilgeous-Alexander also said he is preparing for this season differently because of his new role.

The Thunder’s offense will flow through Shai and he will have all the chances he wants.

Heading into year three, he is already a good defender and solid rebounder for a guard, but OKC’s main concern this season is going to be how the offense does with Shai running it.

If SGA can run the Thunder offense effectively, there is no doubt he can average 23-25 points a game.