OKC Thunder: 3 stars SGA should rank ahead of on NBA top 30+ list
Middle tier (11 – 21) – Gilgeous-Alexander vs Zion Williamson
Like the top 10 players, this group is also reasonably comprised primarily of superstars, the top player(s) on their team and all were participants in the 2021 playoffs except Zion Williamson who ties Bam Adebayo in 20th.
Williamson’s inclusion at such a high seed is clearly because he’s a stats darling. Despite his obvious unicorn abilities Zion has yet to demonstrate the ability to make his teammates significantly better (enough to translate into wins) or make an impact defensively. Still, it’s understandable many of the panel would peg him for the top 30 due to his stellar offensive production.
| Rk | Player | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 35 | 33.7 | 16.1 | .508 | 4.9 | .418 | 11.3 | .547 | 6.5 | .808 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 23.7 |
| 2 | Zion Williamson | 61 | 33.2 | 17.0 | .611 | 0.6 | .294 | 16.4 | .622 | 8.7 | .698 | 7.2 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 27.0 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 9/16/2021.
Although SGA is a guard and Zion is a power forward they both often run the offense. Each plays approximately the same minutes and while Zion is a master in the mid-range and paint it’s Shai who produces in all areas. The Thunder cornerstone is over 10 percent more efficient from both the perimeter and charity stripe.
Expectedly, Zion is the better rebounder while Shai is the better assist man. But the surprising categories are steals and blocks which are virtually the same. Factor in the personnel Williamson had versus the young squad who surrounded Gilgeous-Alexander and his efficiency is even more impressive.
For those questioning this comparison – Vegas ranked this pair as the most likely to take home the Most Improved Player award in 2022 so it’s not out in left field.
11: Jimmy Butler (197 points)
12: Jayson Tatum (172 points)
13: Devin Booker (164 points)
14: Chris Paul (163 points)
15: Paul George (162 points)
16: Kyrie Irving (131 points)
17: Trae Young (128 points)
18: Donovan Mitchell (123 points)
19: Bradley Beal (116 points)
T20: Bam Adebayo/Zion Williamson (105 points)