Perkins Praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “He’s Already Top 20 All Time”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps climbing the NBA hierarchy, and according to Kendrick Perkins, he already belongs among the 20 greatest players ever
The rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is no longer just about talent or season-long production. It has become a historical conversation.
During a recent episode of Perk Unplugged, Kendrick Perkins, now an ESPN analyst, delivered a take sure to spark debate: in his view, the Oklahoma City Thunder star is already one of the top 20 players in NBA history.
Perkins: “SGA Is Already One of the Greatest Ever”
Perkins did not hold back when describing Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact:
He’s about to win MVP. And when that happens, to me he’s already top 20 all time. I don’t care what anybody else says
Kendrick Perkins
A bold statement rooted in a dominant season and the steady rise that has turned SGA into one of the faces of the league.
But Perkins went even further, projecting what could come next:
If he wins two straight championships and another Finals MVP, then he’s top 15 all time
Kendrick Perkins
Thunder Roll Into Playoffs After 64-Win Season
Perkins’ comments come on the heels of a remarkable regular season for Oklahoma City. The Thunder finished 64-18, topping the 60-win mark for the second straight year.
The focus now shifts to the postseason. Oklahoma City is preparing to begin its playoff run against the No. 8 seed, with several possible opponents in play: the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, or Golden State Warriors.
At the core of it all is a simple truth: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at a level that can no longer be ignored. Labels and rankings can wait – but if he keeps this up, everyone will eventually have to update their lists.