Has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Surpassed Kevin Durant? The Debate Over the Best Player in OKC History Heats Up!

When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the city of Oklahoma City erupted. Not only had the Thunder captured their first-ever NBA Championship since relocating from Seattle, but a new debate had emerged almost instantly:
Has SGA officially surpassed Kevin Durant as the greatest player in OKC history?

The argument isn’t just a hot social media take — it’s a legitimate debate now backed by championship hardware, individual accolades, and stunning leadership. Let’s dive deep into the numbers, narratives, and impact behind this growing conversation.

The Case for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Ring Changes Everything

There’s an unspoken rule in basketball debates: Rings matter.

And Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now owns something Kevin Durant never delivered to Oklahoma City — a championship.

SGA’s recent resume includes:

• 1× NBA Champion (2025)

• 1× Finals MVP

• 1× Regular Season MVP

• Leading OKC in scoring, assists, and fourth-quarter dominance during their title run

• Posting 27.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, and shooting 50.3% from the field during the 2024–25 season

These are not just impressive numbers — they’re historic. For a 26-year-old point guard to carry a young, developing Thunder roster to a championship in a league filled with juggernauts is nothing short of remarkable.

Durant’s Legacy in OKC: Unmatched Scoring, But No Ring

There’s no denying what Kevin Durant accomplished during his time in OKC. From 2008 to 2016, KD was:

• 1× MVP (2014)

• 4× Scoring Champion (3 with OKC)

• 7× All-Star

• Led OKC to an NBA Finals appearance in 2012

• Averaged 27.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 48.3% FG in OKC

Durant turned OKC into a championship contender, elevating a small-market franchise into a national powerhouse. But his failure to deliver a ring — especially after blowing a 3–1 lead to Golden State in the 2016 Western Conference Finals — remains a stain for some fans.

Then came “The Decision”, Durant’s controversial move to join the Warriors, which many OKC loyalists still view as betrayal. No matter how brilliant KD was in blue and orange, he left without fulfilling the mission.

Stats Show It’s Closer Than Ever

Take a look at the side-by-side comparison featured in the viral image circulating online:

While KD still owns the edge in rebounding and remains one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history, SGA’s efficiency, playmaking, and overall leadership now give him a tangible edge, especially when combined with his playoff success.

The Leadership Gap: SGA’s Composure vs. KD’s Controversies

Another crucial difference between the two: Leadership.

Throughout his rise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been praised for his calm demeanor, quiet confidence, and ability to unite a young Thunder roster. His viral Instagram post after winning the championship — in which he addressed critics with grace and introspection — showcased emotional maturity beyond his years.

“They said I was being nonchalant… Why would I shed light on rage bait and misdirection? I’d rather be the reason that you stand corrected.”

Compare this with Durant’s well-documented feuds with media, burner account controversies, and rocky exit from OKC, and it’s clear that SGA brings a different kind of leadership — one that resonates with fans and teammates alike.

Fan Loyalty: SGA Has Captured the City’s Heart

Ask a Thunder fan today, and many will tell you: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the heart of this franchise.

While Durant helped put Oklahoma City on the map, his departure still lingers as a heartbreak moment. Meanwhile, SGA chose to stay, embraced the rebuild, and helped engineer one of the greatest turnarounds in NBA history.

In an age where superstar loyalty is rare, SGA represents what OKC fans have been waiting for: someone who stays, fights, and finishes the job.

The Championship Run: SGA Did What KD Couldn’t

It’s one thing to be the face of a rebuild. It’s another to finish the story.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s run through the 2025 playoffs was legendary. From dismantling the defending champion Nuggets to outdueling Jayson Tatum’s Celtics and finally conquering Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals, SGA proved he can be the best player on a championship team.

That’s something Kevin Durant never achieved in OKC — even when surrounded by Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka in their prime.

Narrative vs. Numbers: What Really Matters?

While some may argue that Durant was the more “talented” or “gifted” player, the legacy debate is not just about skill — it’s about impact, results, and fulfillment of potential.

Durant: Transcendent scorer, but left the job unfinished
SGA: The calm killer who completed the mission and brought a banner to OKC

It’s hard to ignore that Gilgeous-Alexander succeeded where Durant failed — and that shift changes the conversation.

What NBA Legends Are Saying

Even around the league, the narrative is shifting. Former players and analysts have begun weighing in:

Charles Barkley: “SGA’s got that old-school DNA. He doesn’t talk much, but he leads. And he got the job done.”
JJ Redick: “Durant may be the more explosive scorer, but Shai is the more complete Thunder legend now.”
Kendrick Perkins, former OKC center: “Respect to KD, but Shai did what we all dreamed of. He took OKC to the promised land.”

Is It Too Soon? Some Say Yes…

Not everyone is ready to crown SGA just yet. Critics argue that Durant’s body of work in OKC spanned nearly a decade, while Shai is just entering his prime. One title doesn’t erase eight years of Durant’s excellence, they say.

But even they must admit: the conversation is no longer one-sided.

Conclusion: Is SGA the Greatest Thunder Player Ever?

If we measure greatness by:

• Impact on winning

• Loyalty to the franchise

• Leadership and growth

• Championship success

Then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a strong — if not undeniable — case for being the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder history.

Durant may have been the first superstar, but SGA might be the most complete, most beloved, and most victorious. And in the end, banners hang forever.

The debate may rage on — but for now, the Larry O’Brien Trophy sits in OKC, and SGA is the one holding it.