OKC Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competition as ASG injury replacement

Gilgeous-Alexander efficiency is a cut above

From an overall efficiency perspective, much like the comparison of Donovan Mitchell noted in Intentions earlier article SGA also registers top marks here.

Specifically, he ranks first in field goal efficiency, slightly less in 2-point efficiency than Booker, and has the best 3-point efficiency of the trio.

Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 2/24/2021.

Like the Mitchell comparison, SGA trails in free throw percentage/rate and 3-point attempt rate which are areas he’ll undoubtedly work on improving like he did his perimeter shot.

Similarly, he again wins the value-added points categories (FG add | TS Add) although Booker is much closer than Mitchell was.

Closing thoughts:

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Silver’s choice will speak volumes about the team and player he elects to promote via his selection. Other than Shai, Conley would be a sentimental choice because of the numerous years he was overlooked.

Likewise, with news DeRozan’s father just passed his selection would be a sentimental (but deserving) choice.

Its doubtful Silver would pick a player from the East because Davis plays for the West. That said, with the game in Atlanta (even without fans) Trae Young is a name sure to come out. However, with three lottery team players already on the team the more logical options in the East are Sabonis or VanVleet.

Ultimately, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is deserving of recognition but may not be rewarded. While the argument “it’s okay — he’ll be a future All-Star” has relevance it’s also a dangerous slope to take. That’s what they said to Mike Conley and fourteen years later – he’s still waiting for to find out how far in the future they meant!