Certain basketball players leave an enduring impression on the basketball world due to their remarkable talent, ability, and passion. With his awe-inspiring performances and unequaled exploits, Michael Jordan is widely recognized as the best player to ever grace the floor. However, as the game of basketball evolves, new players arise, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is one such rising star who is making waves in the NBA.
Michael Jordan had a distinguished career filled with various accomplishments. Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to an incredible 72-10 regular season record at the age of 32, an accomplishment that remains incomprehensible to this day. He also received the NBA Finals MVP award for his outstanding performance in assisting the Bulls to a victory against the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1995-96 NBA Finals.?
Gilgeous-Alexander finds his name among rare elites
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Jordan’s performance at the age of 32 was nothing short of remarkable. He made 111-of-260 attempts and shot 50% from the field, 83 percent from the free-throw line, and an amazing 43 percent from three-point range. He also averaged 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, demonstrating his versatility. Furthermore, Jordan led the NBA in scoring for the ninth time, averaging 30.4 points per game, an incredible feat in and of itself.
Shai this season:
30+ PPG
50%+ FGYoungest guard to average these numbers since… MJ in ‘88. pic.twitter.com/HjrAnMUkeH
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 12, 2023
Meanwhile, at only 24 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has already made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and prolific scorers. He even recently broke Michael Jordan’s previous record for the youngest guard to average at least 30 points per game and shoot an amazing 50 percent from the floor.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring power is genuinely impressive; during the season, he scored a mind-boggling 31.4 points per game and made 51.0 percent of his field goal tries. He is a powerful force on the floor thanks to his ability to score well and efficiently, and the Thunder’s offense frequently turns to him.
He is an underrated master of drawing fouls and free-throw shooting
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The fact that Gilgeous-Alexander has nearly single-handedly carried the Thunder team that was not anticipated to do well makes his performances all the more impressive. Despite having modest expectations, Gilgeous-Alexander has excelled, helping the team to a commendable 40-42 record and a position in the fiercely contested Western Conference play-in tournament.
He is a well-rounded and dynamic player who can have an impact on the game in a variety of ways thanks to his scoring prowess and his playmaking abilities, which are demonstrated by his 5.5 assists per game.
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One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s most prominent playing skills is his ability to draw fouls and go to the free-throw line. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing only 180 pounds, he may not be as physically dominating as some of his teammates, but he has mastered the art of drawing fouls and maximizing free-throw opportunities.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s season saw him try an astounding 10.9 free throws per game, which reflects his brash and careless playing style. What sets him apart is his exceptional free-throw shooting, as he made an outstanding 90.5 percent of them, which distinguishes him from the competition. This talent is frequently undervalued yet has the power to decide close games.