Shai Gilgeous-Alexander names Michael Jordan to his all-time starting five

While Michael Jordan is a given on this list, the other four selections may surprise you.

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sneaky good for the last few seasons and was extra special last season when he almost led his young team to a berth in the NBA Playoffs. Asked by NBA2K to name his all-time starting five, he naturally chose Michael Jordan as his shooting guard. However, his other selections didn’t involve the usual suspects.

No question about Michael Jordan

SGA’s selection of Jordan was a no-brainer. Jordan led the Bulls to six championships in his storied career and is considered one of, if not the greatest, player of all time. His ability to take over games with his ruthless competitive spirit, legendary scoring prowess, and clutch shot-making are all hallmarks of an iconic NBA career. 

SGA choosing Jordan despite not being born yet at the peak of His Airness’ powers is a testament to how ingrained Jordan’s legacy is in the fabric of basketball culture.

Michael Jordan could fool any defender 🏀 pic.twitter.com/PurV0yAfzN

— Fanly (@fanly) October 15, 2023

Breaking convention with other picks

Though SGA went traditional with Jordan, he threw a curveball for his other four selections. He picked Kobe Bryant as his other wingman and then Allen Iverson as his point guard. 

While “The Answer” is no Magic Johnson or John Stockton, his selection is understandable given his impact on NBA culture in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Iverson’s killer instinct, crossover moves, and relentless scoring made him a fan favorite during his prime.

For his final two spots, SGA chose Shaquille O'Neal as center and Kevin Durant as his power forward. Shaq is an easy choice at center, as he was among the most dominant forces in NBA history. 

On the other hand, Durant is not a surprise pick for SGA either. He's one of the best players in today’s game and has consistently been a top performer since entering the league. His ability to score from anywhere creates nightmares for opponents, and his 7-foot frame makes him virtually unguardable on the perimeter.

Kevin Durant goes to Toronto in 2018 and drops 51 points on #MainlyJumpers on 58% from the field with Kawhi and OG guarding him 🤦🏽‍♂️ The shot making and flow is ridiculous here. Maybe the purest hooper ever! pic.twitter.com/Bk64N2uHVG

— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) October 16, 2023