Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024-25 season was one for the record books. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal as the only players across NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and the scoring title in the same season.
However, even players as dominant and well-rounded as Gilgeous-Alexander still have areas that need attention and refinement.
Let's take a look at where the superstar can still improve.
3-Point Shooting
Gilgeous-Alexander’s game revolves around rim pressure, midrange shotmaking, and isolation scoring. His self-creation inside the arc is unparalleled, and he has more counters than a trade-obsessed fantasy football player.
Perimeter shooting remains a work in progress. Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down 37.5% of his regular season triples on decent volume, but he plummeted to 28.3% during the playoffs. It’s easily the most inconsistent aspect of his offensive arsenal.
If he can raise his efficiency on pull-up and step-back triples, then it would force defenders to be more aggressive and give him less space. That makes it easier for Gilgeous-Alexander to get around his man and create a driving lane to the hoop, which is his bread and butter.
Now, Gilgeous-Alexander becoming a quality 3-point shooter does not mean that he should follow in Anthony Edwards’ footsteps by exchanging a significant amount of paint attempts for triples.
To quote a chess principle by Aron Nimzowitsch, “the threat is stronger than the execution.” The fact that defenders know Gilgeous-Alexander could reliably pull up for a 3-pointer on any given possession provides immense value without him having to actually morph into a high-volume shooter.
Interior Passing
Gilgeous-Alexander thrives as a drive-and-kick passer, and he experienced tremendous growth at throwing skip passes last season. These “away from the basket” passes are essential to a player who uses rim pressure as his foundation, and Gilgeous-Alexander has mastered the art.
On the other hand, he could improve at throwing “towards the basket” passes, such as pocket passes and lobs.
Of the 116 players who logged at least 1000 minutes and were classified as an on-ball guard or on-ball wing by Basketball Index, Gilgeous-Alexander ranked 67th in at-rim assists per 75 possessions and 64th in lob creation rate.
Gilgeous-Alexander boosting his passing versatility would add new wrinkles to the Thunder’s offense, such as utilizing Chet Holmgren’s length on lobs or building off of Jalen Williams’ brilliant off-ball scoring display in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Defensive Screen Navigation
Unlike some other superstars in today’s game, Gilgeous-Alexander is a quality defender who competes hard and holds his own in isolation. Few guards offer more shot-blocking and rim protection than the Thunder star, and he also jumps passing lanes like Baltimore Ravens legend Ed Reed.
The reigning MVP is indisputably a valuable off-ball defender, but screen navigation is an area that needs improvement. Gilgeous-Alexander can get caught when involved in high ball screens, which forces the defense into an unfavorable position.
OKC consistently recovers because of its elite defensive talent, yet it would make the best defense in the NBA even more dominant if Gilgeous-Alexander becomes better at fighting through or outmaneuvering screens.