Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tabbed as the 8th best player in the NBA by The Ringer

The NBA Season is in full swing, and the OKC Thunder are off to a fast start. Turning in a 13-6 record through the first 19 games, it is clear this young Thunder team has arrived as a competitive bunch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheads the Thunder's efforts and is getting it done on both ends.

After a surprise 40-win season a year ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the ground running this season. Adding their highest draft pick back to the fold (Chet Holmgren), who looks like a Rookie of the Year favorite, and seeing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keep himself firmly in the MVP conversation.

Through nearly 20 games of the NBA season, the Ringer published an updated version of their NBA Rankings, including their player rankings. This has been a hot topic around the NBA community, as any time player's names are listed out, it sparks controversy.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander checks in as the 8th best player in the NBA on the Ringer's rankings, other OKC Thunder players crack the list.

In the Ringer's player rankings, they have slotted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in as the eighth-best player in the association. This ranks the OKC Thunder superstar behind the likes of Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Devin Booker.

Gilgeous-Alexander ranks above the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler. A solid spot for the Thunder star, and many in Oklahoma City would argue he is still a touch too low. The Kentucky product has posted 30 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game while shooting 53 percent from the floor and leading the NBA in steals.

The max contract point guard is not alone on this list. He is joined by Thunder teammates Chet Holmgren (44), Jalen Williams (61), Josh Giddey (86), and Lu Dort cracked the toughest omissions list.

To go along with these top players in the NBA, Oklahoma City has a mountain of draft picks to maintain long-term flexibility and sure up the roster. The Thunder also have players who could easily sneak their way onto a top 100 players list, such as Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Kenrich Williams.

The future is bright in Oklahoma City, for full season coverage, check back to Thunderous Intentions Daily.