2026 Season Grade For Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Although Oklahoma City’s season ended earlier than expected, it was another legacy-building year for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He joined Stephen Curry as the only guards in NBA history to average 30+ points per game on at least 66% true shooting and also broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive regular season games with at least 20 points. Due to his remarkable stats and team success, Gilgeous-Alexander received MVP, Clutch Player of the Year and All-NBA First Team honors. 

The Kentucky product remained lethal in the playoffs, as he eviscerated Phoenix in the first round before making the right passes when Los Angeles constantly doubled him. The Lakers eased off on the blitzes and traps in Game 4, and Gilgeous-Alexander subsequently scored 35 points on 11-for-22 shooting from the field. 

His series against San Antonio was uncharacteristically inefficient and inconsistent, but he deserves some leeway given the circumstances. Gilgeous-Alexander carried an enormous offensive burden with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell sidelined, and he had to deal with Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama and a physical Spurs defense. The MVP redeemed himself in Game 7 with a phenomenal performance of 35 points, nine assists, four rebounds and four stocks, but it was not enough to overcome the Thunder’s injuries and poor perimeter shooting. At least he ended on a high note and showed why he won Clutch Player of the Year. 

It’s worth wondering whether he sustained a lingering left hand injury when he fell and bent his fingers awkwardly against the Suns. This would explain why Gilgeous-Alexander was shockingly poor at finishing around the basket in transition during the playoff and why his handle was seemingly a little looser than the regular season. 

Overall, Gilgeous-Alexander receives an “A” grade for the 2026 season. He struggled mightily in four of seven games versus the Spurs, which contributed to the Thunder’s early exit. This knocked his grade down a notch, but it’s entirely reasonable to campaign for an “A+” grade because of his consistency across the entire season. Either grade has its merits. 

Gilgeous-Alexander is under contract for $40,806,150 next season, and he’s signed through the 2031 season. Oklahoma City’s superstar is here for the long haul. One area that could use improvement is his three-point shooting. Over the past two playoff runs, Gilgeous-Alexander has gone a combined 50-for-172 from beyond the arc (29.1%). Refining his pull-up and step-back triple would open up the court a bit more and give him more counters against elite defenses.