As we get closer to the NBA season it’s about time that we make predictions about our teams, and how their season will go. I will make a full record prediction later, but right now I want to discuss Shai Gilgeous Alexander and why I think this could potentially be a BIG season for him.
His rookie year for the Clippers SGA averaged 10.8 PPG, 2.8 Rebounds, and 3.3 assist. His first year with the Thunder he averaged 19.0 PPG, 5.9 Rebounds, and 3.3 assist. And finally, last year he jumped up to 23.7 PPG, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assist ; all while shooting 50% from the field and 41% from three.
If his trend of rising points per game each year continues, and I believe it will if Josh Giddey plays well enough to allow the Thunder to move SGA more off the ball and allow him to focus more on scoring than facilitating. We could potentially see 25 PPG from SGA which would be huge.
Now, it will be tough given that the Thunder most likely will not have that great of a record, but my prediction for SGA is not just a rise in his scoring, but I predict that Shai will receive his very first nomination as an NBA All Star. His first of what I believe will be many in his career.