Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Notches All-NBA First Team Honor

Oklahoma City's rising superstar took home All-NBA honors after a breakout season.

It was a year of firsts for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. An All-Star appearance was widely predicted, but nobody could've guessed the breakout campaign on deck. Finishing off one of the most impressive seasons in Thunder franchise history, SGA landed a spot on the prestigious All-NBA First Team.

Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Thunder overachieve by nearly 20 games, leading the postseason campaign and raising Oklahoma City's exponentially.

The fifth-year guard took an unbelievable leap, averaging 31.4 points, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game over the course of the season. In addition, he shot 51% from the floor, 34.5% from 3-point range and 90.5% from the free throw line. His work at the charity stripe became an added skill, as he took 10.9 free throw attempts per game.

SGA took a leap on the defensive side of the floor, too, adding 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Even though he missed out on the All-Defensive teams, he received votes, which speaks volumes about his improvement and effort in his all-around game.

His two-way play led to an impressive top five finish in MVP voting, trailing only Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.

Oklahoma City's low preseason expectations took a massive hit when Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the draft, was announced out for the season with a foot injury. Gilgeous-Alexander found a way though, leading the team to 40 wins and a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament. The Thunder played the majority of the season without a true center on the roster, and Gilgeous-Alexander continued to deliver.

His play elevated his teammates too, with players like Josh Giddey and Isaiah Joe enjoying breakout years. He drew loads of attention on the offensive side of the ball, and seemed to always make the right play in creating shots for others too.

Gilgeous-Alexander's ascension to superstardom is the biggest reason for the Thunder's anticipated improvement next season.

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