After Shai hitting an incredible stepback 3 to defeat Washington on the road 121-120, and tying his career high with 42 points, it brings the question; Is Shai an MVP candidate? Now of course you need to be a playoff team to even be in discussions, but OKC is not too far out and they have plenty of time to keep rising.
(Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
SGA so far has led the youngest team in the league to a 7-8 start, and they are tied for the 10 seed. With how close and deep the western conference is though, they are only 2.5 games behind the 2 seed. Shai is currently averaging over 32 PPG, while shooting 54/40/91. That is insane efficiency for that high of volume. He is 1 of only 2 players currently averaging at least 30 PPG, 1 SPG, and 1 BPG. The other? Giannis Antetokounmpo. So far on this long road trip, in 3 games SGA has averaged 38.7 PPG, 5 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, and shooting 60% from deep. If those are not at least All-NBA numbers, than I don't know what is.
He is averaging more PPG than:
- Jayson Tatum
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Kevin Durant
He is averaging more SPG than:
- Jrue Holiday
- Jimmy Butler
- Lu Dort
He is averaging more BPG than:
- Clint Capela
- Jarrett Allen
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
(Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
Season Stats:
32.3 PPG
4.5 RPG
5.9 APG
1.9 SPG
1.4 BPG
54.6% FG
40.0% 3PT
90.6% FT
63.9% TS
Other Impressive Stats:
17.1 Points in the Paint per game (3rd in NBA)
4.8 Fastbreak Points per game (4th in NBA)
25.1 Drives per game (1st in NBA)
16.6 Points per game off drives (1st in NBA)
2.4 Assists per game off drives (2nd in NBA)
9.7 Points on pull-up shooting (8th in NBA)
Shai is putting up elite scoring numbers, and is improving on the defensive end too. He could very well win most improved player of the year, make his first All-Star appearance, and even possibly make an All-NBA team. It is still early in the year, so only time will tell what the future holds for the rising star in Oklahoma City.
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