Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has completed a season for the ages. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar won MVP and the scoring title during the regular season, and earned Finals and Western Conference Finals MVP awards during the playoffs.
In the aftermath of what should be celebrated as a career-defining season, however, a question must be posed: How important is longevity in comparison to peak performance?
Ranking players on a historical level is an activity that will transcend generations, but praise doesn't require comparison. The Hall of Fame, after all, doesn't require one player to have been better than another to be inducted.
Instead, it's an attempt to honor those who have achieved greatness in whichever form it may take shape during their respective NBA careers.
By most accounts, Gilgeous-Alexander still has much to do before the Hall of Fame comes calling. It's understandable, as he's thus far produced three All-NBA and All-Star seasons in comparison to the five-plus that so often qualify who is and isn't deserving of induction.
When it comes to peak performance, however, there are few who have ever achieved what Gilgeous-Alexander already has at just 26 years of age.
Peak performance vs. longevity: What truly decides greatness?
In 2024-25, Gilgeous-Alexander became the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in the same season. The only other players on that list: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal.
Furthermore, Gilgeous-Alexander is now one of just nine players to secure each of those accolades across an entire career—and every retired player who did so is in the Hall of Fame.
The active players who achieved that career trinity of feats are titans of the sport: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James. Once again, Gilgeous-Alexander is directly associated with three of the greatest players in NBA history.
It's also worth noting that Gilgeous-Alexander has already made more All-NBA First Team appearances than Hall of Famers such as Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and James Worthy—combined.
Yes, Gilgeous-Alexander's star-caliber seasons amount to just three at this stage of his career. As such, his accolades pale in comparison to those who have longevity on their side—exclusive to the total number of All-Star and All-NBA seasons they produced, of course.
A vast majority of those legends, however, never won MVP—an award handed out 70 times to just 37 players.
Beyond any conversations about the Hall of Fame is a need to appreciate what's transpiring in the moment—and contextualize its all-time greatness without putting anyone else down. History will look back at what Gilgeous-Alexander did fondly, but many are allowing this legendary season to be lost to the bottomless pit of comparison.
Perhaps there is more work to be done to become an all-time great, but few in the history of the sport have achieved what Gilgeous-Alexander already has. Rather than comparing and contrasting, we must not lose perspective.
It took 25 years to see a fourth player accomplish what Gilgeous-Alexander just did. This is greatness—in real time. We must appreciate it before the moment is lost.