Paul George Affirms: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is the Best Guard Since Michael Jordan

When Paul George speaks on basketball greatness, the NBA community listens. The nine-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist is known for his on-court skills and sharp insights off the court. But his recent comments about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024–2025 season have sent shockwaves through the league.

On a recent episode of his podcast, George declared that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the best single season by a guard since Michael Jordan’s 1998 campaign. A bold statement, no doubt—especially when it seemingly overlooks legends like Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, and James Harden.

But when you dive into the numbers, accolades, and historical context, Paul George’s controversial opinion may actually have some serious merit.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Historic Season in Every Way

The 2024–25 NBA season will go down in history for the Oklahoma City Thunder and their superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Not only did Shai lead OKC to its first NBA championship since the franchise’s Seattle Supersonics days, but he also stacked up individual awards at a pace rarely seen—not even by some Hall of Famers.

Here’s what Shai accomplished:

• NBA Scoring Champion (32.7 PPG)

• NBA Regular Season MVP (Michael Jordan Award)

• NBA Finals MVP (Bill Russell Trophy)

• NBA Champion

• All-NBA First Team

That trifecta of regular season MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title in a single season is a rare accomplishment for any guard. The only other player to do it before him? Michael Jordan, who achieved the feat in 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998.

Paul George’s Verdict: The Greatest Guard Season Since MJ

Appearing on his “Podcast P,” Paul George didn’t mince words.

“From a season standpoint, you’ve got to put Shai in that conversation,” said George. “Like, that’s a hell of a year… especially in the league today.”

He emphasized that Shai’s mid-range game, in a modern NBA that emphasizes three-pointers and analytics, made his season all the more impressive.

“He doesn’t shoot threes. He gets to the line. He lives in the mid-range, which analytics hate. But he’s efficient, and he leads his team to a title.”

George did acknowledge one minor flaw in comparing Shai’s year to MJ’s 1998 season—Jordan was also named First Team All-Defense, an accolade that eluded Shai.

“So you can’t give him that. But I think it’s like 1A, 1B,” George added.

What About Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden?

George’s statement triggered instant debate. Many pointed to iconic seasons from Allen Iverson (2001), Kobe Bryant (2006, 2009), Derrick Rose (2011), and James Harden (2018). But when you dissect each campaign, none of them achieved the historic trio of scoring title, MVP, and Finals MVP.

Allen Iverson (2001)

Iverson was spectacular, winning the scoring title and the MVP award, while dragging a gritty 76ers team to the NBA Finals. But he ultimately lost the championship to the Lakers and didn’t win the Finals MVP.

Kobe Bryant (2006 & 2009)

Kobe’s 81-point game and scoring dominance in 2006 are legendary. In 2009, he finally won the Finals MVP but did not win the regular season MVP or scoring title that year. He was never able to achieve all three accolades in one season.

Derrick Rose (2011)

Rose became the youngest MVP in league history, but injuries derailed his postseason success. He didn’t win a scoring title, Finals MVP, or championship.

James Harden (2018)

Harden won the MVP and had multiple scoring titles, but never won an NBA championship or a Finals MVP. In fact, his playoff performances have often come under criticism.

The Numbers Behind Shai’s Dominance

Regular Season Stats

• 32.7 points per game

• 6.4 assists per game

• 5.0 rebounds per game

• Shot 53% from the field

• Shot 90% from the free-throw line

• Carried the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the West

NBA Finals Stats

• 30.3 points per game

• 5.6 assists per game

• 4.6 rebounds per game

• Shot 51% from the field against a stacked Celtics defense

• Clutch fourth-quarter performances in Games 4 and 6

These are not just impressive numbers—they are championship-winning numbers.

The Modern NBA: Why Shai’s Style Stands Out

In today’s NBA, dominated by three-point barrages and advanced metrics, Shai’s game is almost retro.

He thrives in the mid-range, uses his body to draw contact and fouls, and doesn’t rely on high-volume threes. Many analysts say this makes his scoring output even more impressive, given how the system is designed to favor players like Stephen Curry or Damian Lillard who shoot threes from the parking lot.

Paul George’s praise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlights a changing conversation in basketball—skill, not just analytics, matters.

“Players who master the mid-range need more respect,” George insisted.

Shai’s Humble Response

When asked about George’s comments, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responded in classic fashion:

“That’s an honor coming from PG. I grew up watching him. But I’m just focused on helping my team win and staying consistent.”

It’s that humble, focused mindset that makes Shai not just a great player—but possibly the heir to Jordan’s mantle when it comes to all-around guard dominance in a single season.

What’s Next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

At just 26 years old, Shai has years of dominance ahead of him. His current contract with the Thunder runs through 2027, but OKC is expected to offer a supermax extension worth over $300 million soon.

Off the court, his endorsements are growing:

• Jordan Brand

• Gatorade

• Canadian Tire

• Panini trading cards

His fashion sense, humility, and global appeal could make him the next global face of the NBA, especially as LeBron James and Stephen Curry near the twilight of their careers.

Final Verdict: Was Paul George Right?

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2025 season the best by a guard since Michael Jordan in 1998?

Statistically? Yes.
Historically? It’s a compelling case.
Culturally? Time will tell.

No one is suggesting Shai is “better than MJ.” But in terms of a single-season performance by a guard, Shai may have done what no one else has in over 25 years.

Paul George may have ruffled some feathers, but his bold statement may go down as a truthful nod to a truly historic season.