Occasionally, the writers at NBA.com will offer their insights on significant narratives or popular subjects within the league.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the greatest player in Thunder history?
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We may want to pause on this one. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook established the groundwork for that franchise and guided Oklahoma City to the NBA Finals in just its fourth season. They rank first and second across numerous statistical categories in Thunder history, with Westbrook leading due to his 11 seasons compared to Durant’s eight.
All three players secured Kia MVP awards while with the team, resulting in a tie in that respect. Durant boasts four scoring titles, whereas Gilgeous-Alexander has claimed one. Westbrook made history as the first player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson, achieving this feat for three consecutive seasons.
Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates brought the city its first championship, and he could potentially be among the Top 100 players celebrated in the league’s centennial in 2047. However, Durant and Westbrook are already in the Top 75. For me, the ranking of the greatest Thunder players is Westbrook first, Durant second, and Gilgeous-Alexander third and climbing.
Given the impressive season Gilgeous-Alexander just completed—claiming the scoring title, Kia MVP, Finals MVP, and leading the Thunder to their inaugural championship in the OKC era—I’d argue that he edges out Kevin Durant for the title of best Thunder player ever.
While Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t accumulated the same level of accolades as Durant did during his time in Oklahoma City—where Durant has the upper hand in All-NBA selections (5 to 3 for First Team), scoring titles (4 to 1), All-Star appearances (7 to 3), and top-5 Kia MVP finishes (5 to 3)—he brings something that Durant couldn’t: an NBA title. Both reached the Finals during their Thunder careers, but only Gilgeous-Alexander was able to complete the narrative.
This is a tricky one. In the immediate context? Definitely, yes, thanks to his MVP titles (both regular season and Finals) and the championship.
But considering their entire careers?
With all due respect to both Gilgeous-Alexander and Durant, I’d award this title to Russell Westbrook. Although it may seem like splitting hairs, if forced to choose a definitive answer, I’d lean towards Gilgeous-Alexander solely because the championship is the indisputable achievement in any discussion between him, Durant, and Westbrook—this is a limited three-player debate.
Ultimately, it’s likely still Kevin Durant. While Gilgeous-Alexander secured Oklahoma City’s first championship, Durant played 230 more combined regular season and playoff games with the Thunder and has twice as many postseason victories (50 compared to 25) for the franchise. He averaged more points per game (28.5 against 27.4), demonstrated slightly better efficiency (60.9% true shooting vs. 60.8%), and made a greater defensive impact. Additionally, he played a crucial role in establishing Oklahoma City as a legitimate franchise from the outset. If Gilgeous-Alexander manages to win another championship, then he can certainly claim the top spot.