Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself as a top-tier NBA player this season, with one of his teammates suggesting he is already outperforming elite guards like James Harden and Jalen Brunson. The Oklahoma City Thunder bolstered their roster in the last offseason by adding Isaiah Hartenstein, who left the New York Knicks, hoping that he and Alex Caruso would be the missing pieces for the team.
These moves quickly showed their value when the Thunder clinched their first franchise title, with both Hartenstein and Caruso playing pivotal roles. However, the team’s success centers around MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Having played alongside legends such as Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Nikola Jokic, Hartenstein believes Gilgeous-Alexander is the best guard he has ever shared the court with.
While Harden’s career has been marked by impressive stats but questions about defense and playoff performance, and Brunson has faced early playoff exits with the Knicks, Gilgeous-Alexander has proven himself a dependable playoff leader, praised for his team-first attitude. Hartenstein highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s lack of ego, noting how he prioritizes team play over personal scoring.
Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring, but unlike Harden’s style of racking up points, his approach is more about overall team success. Among the players drafted in 2018, which includes Gilgeous-Alexander and Brunson, five have become All-Stars, but Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as the first to win a championship as a key contributor and leader.
Harden’s biggest criticism is his limited team success, with only one Finals appearance in 2013 and not being the leading player on that team. Brunson still has time to grow but risks being labeled as a great regular-season player who can’t elevate his game in the playoffs. Hartenstein sees Gilgeous-Alexander as a rare player who puts the team first, excelling on both ends of the court.
Statistical comparisons with Hartenstein on the roster show Gilgeous-Alexander with impressive points per game (32.7), assists (6.4), and a strong playoff record (16-7), surpassing both Harden and Brunson in key areas. Hartenstein emphasizes that Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t chasing stats but rather aims to make his team the best overall, showcasing underrated defensive abilities.
While Harden is one of the greatest scorers ever, Gilgeous-Alexander’s comprehensive game contributes more directly to team success. Brunson is among the league’s best guards but has yet to make a significant leap in impact.
Fan Take: This highlight of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rising above established stars like Harden and Brunson signals a potential shift in the NBA guard hierarchy, emphasizing a more balanced and team-focused style of play. Basketball fans should watch closely as this could redefine how future stars are judged—not just by scoring, but by their overall influence on team success.
