Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leaves LeBron out of starting 5

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently shared his all-time starting five in response to an inquiry from NBA2K, and to the surprise of many, he omitted the legendary LeBron James. Instead, SGA chose Allen Iverson as his backcourt partner, accompanied by Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal.

The potential of this starting lineup is extraordinary, with the lethal combination of SGA and AI in the backcourt exuding athleticism. Kobe and MJ occupying the 3 and 4 positions? It’s a formidable group that would be hard to beat, especially with the dominant presence of Shaq in the low post.

While Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t include LeBron James in his starting five, it doesn’t diminish his admiration for the legendary player. He acknowledges LeBron’s remarkable achievements, especially considering the extraordinary feats The King continues to accomplish in his late 30s. While many consider LeBron the GOAT, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leans toward Michael Jordan as his personal greatest of all time, recognizing that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

The Thunder guard has been making a significant impact, establishing himself as arguably a top-10 player in the Association. During the 2022-23 season, SGA burst onto the scene with impressive averages of 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, shooting at an efficient 51% from the field. He ranked fourth in the league in scoring.

Looking ahead, OKC boasts a promising young core, having made the play-in tournament last season, providing a glimpse into their bright future. With SGA’s stellar performance and the return of Chet Holmgren from injury, the franchise’s outlook appears very promising. There’s even speculation that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be a contender for the MVP in the upcoming 2023-24 season.