Shai in the NBA top 10 all-time if he goes back-to-back
With the numbers, MVP buzz and dominant playoff run, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s season continues to fuel debate among those already viewing him among the game’s all-time greats. This is Kendrick Perkins’ theory
In the NBA world, it doesn’t take much to spark debate, and this time it was Kendrick Perkins with a bold statement about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his future place in league history.
The premise is simple: if the leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder repeats the dominant 2024-25 season he just had, then according to Perkins there should be no more questions about his historic standing.
The quote that started the debate
Speaking on the Road Trippin’ Show podcast, Perkins didn’t hold back:
If SGA repeats what he did last year… so MVP, which he’ll probably win, another title and another Finals MVP… somebody in the all-time top 10 has to move out
Kendrick Perkins
Despite the criticism that followed, Perkins doubled down even harder, leaning into both the narrative and the player’s age:
This is the story, and I’ll get right to it. He’s only 27 years old. That means another seven years of dominance. And in this short span, he’s already done something only he and Michael Jordan have done: four straight seasons averaging over 30 points while shooting above 50%
Kendrick Perkins
Then came the most provocative part:
If you go back-to-back in an era where we haven’t seen a back-to-back since… well, in a long time, and you do it against all these monsters… then I don’t want to hear anything. Somebody in the top 10 has to move
Kendrick Perkins
The historical context matters
Perkins also pointed to another key factor: the competition.
Between LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, and the new generation led by Victor Wembanyama, the title race has rarely been this difficult.
That’s why, in his view, a potential back-to-back championship would carry enormous weight.
The last team to do it was the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, one of the strongest dynasties ever.
The numbers behind a dominant season
It’s hard to argue with his case when it comes to SGA’s production, as he delivered an almost flawless season:
- 31.1 points per game in the regular season
- 4.3 rebounds
- 6.6 assists
- 1.4 steals
- 0.8 blocks
- Thunder record: 64-18
And in the playoffs, he has kept rolling, averaging an even higher 33.8 points per game in the series against Phoenix.
On top of that, he has already won Clutch Player of the Year and remains the heavy favorite for the 2025-26 NBA MVP.
The present: Lakers challenge ahead
Before the all-time legacy conversations, though, there’s still basketball to be played.
The Thunder are set for a marquee series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.
Game 1 will be played at Paycom Center, with SGA ready to lead the way once again.