Right now, there are five NBA players averaging over 30 points a game, which is something none of us have seen in our lifetimes.
Four of those players are easy to name, as they’re all household names among basketball fans: Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But the fifth one isn’t easy to name.
What if we told you he is 6-foot-6 and weighs just 180 pounds, yet is shooting 50.3 percent from the field this season?
What if we told you he is also averaging 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocked shots per game?
That didn’t help?
What if we told you he has one of the longest names of any NBA player?
Give up?
He’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although the Thunder have been somewhat competitive this season and currently hold the 10th spot in the Western Conference, which means they’re on pace to reach the play-in tournament, Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t getting nearly as much love as other players scoring over or close to 30 points per game.
It’s a shame, as he’s a pretty special player.
He has had three games with over 40 points this year, including a 42-point outburst on December 12 against the Dallas Mavericks in which he outscored Doncic head-to-head.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unbelievable tonight against the Mavs, just relentlessly attacking
42 points – 2 boards – 3 assists – 3 steals
14-23 FG
13-13 FT pic.twitter.com/kIlMrajBdP— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) December 13, 2022
Gilgeous-Alexander is also unique in the sense that despite his slight frame, he is actually third in the NBA in free-throw attempts, as he’s averaging 10.4 a game.
When he gets to the charity stripe, he’s just about automatic with his 90.8 percent conversion rate.
Next season, he will get some help as he’s expected to be joined by Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft who is missing all of this season with a foot injury.
Perhaps then Gilgeous-Alexander will get the respect he deserves.
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