OKC Thunder: ESPN perplexing player rank of Gilgeous-Alexander
The evidence for moving SGA ahead of some stars on ESPN list
McCollum finishing ahead of anyone on this list is absolutely head-scratching. CJ has arguably a top 10 player in the association with Damian Lillard leading the Blazers and also has sharpshooter Norman Powell spreading the court for him. Jusuf Nurkic is a defensive beast to the fact his numbers are worse across the board has us asking why he would rank six spots ahead of SGA.
| Rk | Player | G | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 35 | 16.1 | .508 | 4.9 | .418 | 11.3 | .547 | .571 | 6.5 | .808 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 23.7 |
| 2 | CJ McCollum | 47 | 18.8 | .458 | 8.9 | .402 | 9.9 | .509 | .554 | 2.8 | .812 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 23.1 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 9/25/2021.
Specifically, check out the two player’s efficiencies at every spot on the court and McCollum only bests SGA at the line but he’s taking fewer than half as many shots.
Simmons is an awesome defender but aside from the fact, he can’t shoot the burning question is when he’ll actually play a game and where that will be this season.
Former favorite son and Mr. triple-double won’t get any shade from us at Intentions as we’ll be cheering for his success in La La Land (is it shade if we also simultaneously hope the Lakers fail?)
Finally, Brown is among one of the narrator’s favorite two-way players but should he rank ahead of Gilgeous-Alexander? Would Brown be able to carry a team like SGA is going to? Or is he the perfect Robin to a team’s primary star (Jayson Tatum)? If the answer to that question is Brown is the perfect secondary star then SGA should rank ahead of him.
| Rk | Player | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaylen Brown | 58 | 34.5 | 19.2 | .484 | 7.1 | .397 | 12.1 | .536 | .558 | 4.3 | .764 | 6.0 | 3.4 | 24.7 |
| 2 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 35 | 33.7 | 16.1 | .508 | 4.9 | .418 | 11.3 | .547 | .571 | 6.5 | .808 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 23.7 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 9/25/2021.
A direct comparison offers further food for thought since Brown has an All-Star talent (Jayson Tatum) who significantly makes his life easier on the hardwood. Considering SGA is “the man” his efficiency in comparison to Brown highlights his better overall offensive skillset. Intentions did direct comparisons of SGA versus Morant and others in this article outlining his better overall stats.
Like our Thunder cornerstone, Morant is the leader of the Grizzlies, and while his shooting efficiency needs to improve his ability to lead Memphis and gritty demeanor make him a logical inclusion on the ESPN list although I’d be ranking both Morant and Gilgeous-Alexander in the top 30 because they do lead their teams.
So Thunder Nation, tell us your thoughts – – do you feel the 36th rank was a slight from the ESPN panel? How high would you rank SGA and which players should rank under him?
Next. SGA destroys competition in practice session. dark