OKC Thunder: Another Leap Brewing For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due for another leap? What does that look like for him?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is backing up his All-NBA First Team season during this offseason. Some fans can look at the season and question whether the stats are replicable and whether or not a high usage rate on a 40-win team was the reason for the elite play. However, Gilgeous-Alexander is proving through the FIBA World Cup that he isn't a product of the Oklahoma City Thunder's system. 

Gilgeous-Alexander has taken leaps year over year. In some aspects, his on-court game has improved, which is typically reflected in the box score. This continued until the 6-foot-6 guard had a breakthrough season last year, which earned him an All-NBA appearance and his first All-Star selection.

Before the breakout, there were questions as to whether Gilgeous-Alexander was suited to lead a championship-caliber team. Evidently, his play answered that question by itself last season. 

The Mismatch, a podcast hosted by Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon, was asked in their mailbag about Gilgeous-Alexander and his ability to be the main option on a championship-winning team. 

"This could be the year where he thrusts himself into that conversation," O'Connor said. "Last year was like 'Oh yeah he's gonna be fifth on MVP ballots, he's an All-NBA guy.' This is the year he establishes himself as the number-one guy on a championship hopeful [team]."

Again, Gilgeous-Alexander's game proved this last season. He was able to put up an efficient 30+ points per game while playing well into the Thunder's offensive system. He played in a way that allowed his teammates to thrive while doing so himself, making him an ideal player to lead a championship-caliber team. 

"Once he gets on the playoff stage and delivers on the playoff stage, then it's a different deal, and that is the next step," Vernon added. "He has to get to the playoffs and be the guy."

If getting to the playoffs and leading the team is the next step, Gilgeous-Alexander may be able to take that next "leap" soon. He's proven so far through the World Cup he can lead his team through must-win games and take over when it matters the most. The Thunder is building a roster that could be ready for the playoffs in the short future. Everything playing off each other could be lining up to help Gilgeous-Alexander take the next step as a premiere player.

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