Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is One MVP Away From Entering ‘Top 15 Greatest NBA Players’ Ranking, Claims Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be a top-15 player all-time if he wins the MVP and the championship this year.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is One MVP Away From Entering ‘Top 15 Greatest NBA Players’ Ranking, Claims Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the MVP, scoring title, Finals MVP, and NBA championship last season.
  • Richard Jefferson claims SGA could enter the top-15 all-time players if he wins another MVP and championship this year.
  • SGA is averaging 31.1 points per game and leading the Thunder to the best record in the league at 64-17.

Coming off a historic 2024-25 campaign, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is well on course to do it all once again. Last season, SGA won the MVP, scoring title, Finals MVP, and the NBA championship. This season, he is likely to miss out on the scoring title but he is a strong contender to win the MVP title once again.

Former champion Richard Jefferson believes SGA can break into the top 15 all-time if he wins the MVP and the championship this year.

That’s a real thing, the résumé alone. Two regular season MVPs, two Finals MVPs and we are talking about just comparison, right? Like, Kevin Durant has one regular season MVP, multiple scoring titles. Shai looks like he’s going to have multiple scoring titles.

Richard Jefferson on Road Trippin Show

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having a historic 2025-26 campaign. Many believe he deserves to win the MVP award once again as he continues to dominate opponents every night. His performances this season have led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the Western Conference standings. They have the best record in the league and are 64-17 with just one game to go in the regular season.

He is currently second in the league in scoring behind Luka Doncic. The Canadian international is averaging 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. But what makes it remarkable is that he is shooting at 55.3% from the field.

SGA is going to average 30+ points per game for four consecutive seasons. This spectacular feat has not been achieved since Michael Jordan. Hence, many analysts put him in the same tier as Jordan. Currently, he is second in the MVP Ladder behind Victor Wembanyama. However, it is very likely that the award will go to SGA for his incredible season.

If he does win the MVP and leads the Thunder to another championship, it will be hard to argue against Richard Jefferson‘s statements. Back-to-back MVPs and championships would put them in a very elite list of NBA players.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

If there is one player who could describe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly, it is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The two are cousins. While at Hamilton Heights, the two were teammates and even shared a room at their coach’s house during that time.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Wolves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image via ESPN/X)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker spoke about when he realized SGA was special while growing up.

The thing with him that stood out to me, he didn’t get emotional with the game. He was very consistent in like ‘bro I know I’m gonna make it no matter how bad it is right now.’ He just stuck to his work. He would watch film of like Steph or Kyrie and the next day implementing it in our workouts. He never wavered. That’s why now to this day people see the calm and the aura that they talk about. He’s been that way his entire upbringing of basketball.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Old Man And The Three podcast

The 27-year-old has faced criticism despite being one of the best players in the league over the last few years. His calmness and composure under pressure are one of the main reasons why many regard him as the MVP this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching the first seed

At one point in the 2025-26 campaign, it looked like the Thunder were on court to break the regular-season record held by the Warriors. They did falter a bit in the middle, but they have been consistent and steady throughout the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has now scored 20 or more points for 140 consecutive games.

With the Thunder at the top of the Western Conference standings, the reigning MVP weighed in on their incredible season despite battling injuries and adversity.

It speaks volumes to the team. Speaks volumes to the guys in the summertime getting better, the coaching staff getting better… No matter what happens, we have to earn what we get.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his post-match press conference

SGA did not play on Friday against the Denver Nuggets. With the number one seed sealed, he has been ruled out for their final game of the regular season against the Phoenix Suns as well. SGA will now focus on the postseason as the Thunder look to go back-to-back this year.

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