OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on an unheralded path of success that has left many wondering where he belongs among the game's all-time greats.
Currently the frontrunner to win his second straight MVP award, he is leading Oklahoma City to yet another playoff appearance as the Western Conference's first seed and has his eyes set on another ring.
His run over the past few years has been so unprecedented that he has undeniably entered a discussion many aren't yet ready to have -- the Michael Jordan-level conversation.
Fortunately for Thunder fans, former NBA forward Richard Jefferson is not of that timid mindset.
Dramatic comparison becoming commonplace for Thunder superstar
In a pre-game segment on ESPN, the former NBA champion laid out his case for why SGA deserves to be in the same conversation as Michael Jordan.
Jefferson described the Thunder superstar as "Jokic as a guard" and proceeded to rave about his efficiency, which is as rare as any other skill set in the NBA.
He compared Shai's four straight seasons of 30.0 points per game or higher to those of Kobe Bryant, Dominque Wilkins, and Dwyane Wade. The closest of the three finished with three total 30.0 point-per-game seasons in their entire career.
He then brought up the Thunder guard's four straight seasons of at least 30.0 points and a field goal percentage of at least 50.0 percent, and he compared it to how LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry have combined for just three such campaigns.
He finally compared Shai to the only two other players in history who have had at least four straight such seasons: Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.
Thunder fans need to acclimate to the new norm regarding their star
Jefferson's glowing reviews are hardly the first of their kind.
Earlier this year, Hall-of-Famer Steve Nash touted SGA for putting up Jordan-like offensive numbers.
Though the reigning MVP was rather averse to the comparison, it is something he may have to get used to if he continues to produce at the level of the NBA legend.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's lethal combination of volume and efficiency is rare enough for NBA pundits to put him in GOAT territory, whether he likes it or not.
He has already laid the winning foundation to be in the conversation as well, securing a ring, an MVP, a Finals MVP, and three All-NBA honors before the age of 28.
With the prime of his career still ahead of him, the discussion on SGA's greatness is still wide open. Sam Presti has done his part by positioning the Thunder in a spot of contention for the foreseeable future, leaving the ball in Gilgeous-Alexander's court to cement himself as the GOAT.