Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best players in the NBA right now. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ball-handling skills, scoring touch, and focus while on the court are second to none.
However, one NBA analyst doesn’t think Gilgeous-Alexander is a good passer.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gets Ripped by NBA Analyst
On Thursday, Fox Sports’ “First Things First” featured a discussion comparing Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić. Show co-hosts Nick Wright and Danny Parkins swapped opinions about the two NBA stars.
“You also know that Shai is a better defensive player?” Parkins said.
“Shai is a better defensive player than Luka,” Wright confirmed.
“And they’re close offensively,” Parkins retorted.
“That’s the part I don’t think I agree with you on,” Wright replied.
“They average within 1 point per game of each other,” Parkins fired back.
“They are close in scoring,” Wright acknowledged. “They are not close in rebounding or passing. They’re not.”
“But they are close in efficiency,” Parkins answered.
“Yeah, no, which is part of the scoring,” Wright countered. “They are close individual scorers. Luka’s one of the best passers ever. Shai is not one of the best passers in the Western Conference today. Luka’s one of the best guard rebounders ever. Shai is a good guard rebounder.”
.@DannyParkins: “Luka and SGA’s numbers are close, but Shai is a much better defender. If there was a 3rd team All-Defense, he’d make it.”@getnickwright: “If you compare their careers, primes or playoff numbers, Luka clears him. I don’t think SGA is the best player in the NBA.” pic.twitter.com/PTa6wfiXWi
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 2, 2026
Entering Thursday’s NBA action, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in the 2024-25 season.
As for Dončić, he’s averaging 33.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game this season.
The Thunder have already clinched the Northwest Division title and hold the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference. Gilgeous-Alexander has played a major role in the Thunder’s success, whether he’s a solid passer or not.
Dončić continues to display his usual stellar efforts for the Lakers. The Lakers sit in the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference and have already won the Pacific Division crown.
Should the Thunder and Lakers end up facing one another in the NBA playoffs, all eyes will be on Gilgeous-Alexander and Dončić. Maybe Gilgeous-Alexander will show off some snazzy passing skills that could leave Wright second-guessing his comments.
