OKC Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competition as ASG injury replacement
Versus the 3-point sniper Devin Booker
The argument for Booker gains credence because of where the Suns currently reside on the playoff ladder. However, with Chris Paul making the reserve squad, presumably the coaches felt CP3 is the Suns player who most affects winning.
Having already made the team, Booker’s path is easier to get picked again.
Booker has more talent than SGA has to work with and Thunder Nation is all too familiar with the Point God impact and effect.
Diving into Booker versus Gilgeous-Alexander offers a sound statistical argument. Booker’s point production is higher by almost two points, however, he takes an additional 2.5 shots per game.
Gilgeous-Alexander trumps Booker in other key statistical categories like assists (+2.2), rebounds (+2.2), and turns the ball over less frequently.
| Rk | Player | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devin Booker | 18.0 | .501 | 5.7 | .381 | 12.3 | .556 | .561 | 5.3 | .848 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 3.5 | 24.7 |
| 2 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 15.5 | .506 | 4.7 | .407 | 10.8 | .550 | .568 | 6.6 | .783 | 5.2 | 6.5 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 22.8 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 2/24/2021.
Yet, arguably the key selling point is the perimeter argument. Booker who won the 3-point shooting competition has a healthy 38.1 percent efficiency on 5.7 attempts per game. SGA who started the season struggling from deep registers a higher 3-point efficiency of 40.7 percent on 4.7 attempts.
And while Booker draws ample opposition attention, he has CP3, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and others who also garner chalkboard material.
In contrast, Shai is the top name and focus of every Thunder opposition game plan.