OKC Thunder: NBA GM survey praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The OKC Thunder are one game into their four-game preseason slate, the offseason is officially over! With the end of the offseason comes the annual NBA GM Survey. One of my favorite league traditions, NBA.com reaches out to the front office executives and gets their takes on what is happening around the association.

This article from John Schuhmann has everything from the GM Picks to win the league, conference standings, MVP, who they would start a franchise with, which player puts the most stress on an opposing coaching staff, who will have a breakout season, the best player at each position, top offseason moves, award picks, top international players not in the NBA, best defensive players, top coaches, fun teams to watch, top young cores, and more!

NBA GM survey praises OKC Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder inked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a max contract extension this offseason, after a phenomenal third year in the league that saw him post 23 points per game, six assists, nearly five rebounds, with almost a steal and block per contest. SGA shot 50-percent from the floor, 41-percent from deep, and 80-percent from the charity stripe.

SGA only played in 35 of the 72 games a year ago due to a foot injury that ended his season and held him out of the Summer Olympics with Team Canada. Many would tab that albeit short season, as his breakout year.

However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still earned votes from the NBA GM survey for the most likely player to have a breakout season. Jaren Jackson Jr took home first place honors with 17-percent of the votes. Anthony Edwards (13-percent), Michael Porter Jr (10-percent), Darius Garland, Ja Morant, Kevin Porter Jr, and Keldon Johnson all tie for fourth place (7-percent).

The OKC Thunder earned votes for “best overall moves this offseason” by opposing GMs, which ties into Kemba Walker being bought out earning votes for the most surprising move this offseason.

When asked who the best international player not in the NBA is, the General Managers pegged Vasilije Micic for the second-best in that category. The OKC Thunder own his NBA rights, so if Micic decides to come to the association, he would be a member of the Thunder unless traded by Sam Presti.

When discussing trades for Vasilije Micic, an already 27-year-old Euroleague MVP who likely does not fit what the Thunder are trying to build age-wise, it is great to confirm other GMs believe in his skillset. If Oklahoma City elects to trade him, the return won’t be crazy, we are unsure how much Micic even wants to play in the league, but it would at least be something of value.

Lu Dort did not receive a vote for the best defensive player, or best perimeter defender, or most versatile defender. The OKC Thunder do not receive a vote for promising young core.

Alprene Sengun, who the Thunder traded away, received rookie of the year votes and was labeled as the second biggest steal in the draft. None of the four Oklahoma City Thunder rookies were tabbed with honors in the survey.