A heated debate on an episode of “Run It Back ” has fans questioning whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has truly earned the title of the best player in Oklahoma City Thunder history. The discussion aired last week on FanDuel TV.
This quickly turned into a legacy check for Thunder legends, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. As SGA continues to climb the ranks, NBA veterans Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams aren’t ready to hand over the crown just yet.
The panel brought up guest Bobby Portis and asked some serious questions about SGA’s rise in the team. Meanwhile, fans and analysts reacted instantly across social media.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook: Thunder’s Original Superstars Discussion Centered on SGA’s impressive Season
The discussion centered on SGA’s impressive 2024–25 season. But the panel raised a key point: Is it just recency bias? Parsons led the charge and asked the guest, Portis, about Durant and Westbrook.
If he can win a championship to top it off, uh I don’t know if it’s he’s the best in Thunder history yet, but he’s definitely submitted himself in the top three arguably. Obviously, Russ and KD have won, you know, championships. I mean, not championship, won MVPs and our first Ballot Hall of Famers for sure.
Portis said.
That analysis exploded fans’ reactions online:
The pair (Parsons and Williams) reminded viewers that KD was the Thunder for nearly a decade, dropping 30 a night, winning MVP in 2014, and carrying OKC to the NBA Finals in 2012.
In contrast, Durant and Westbrook delivered for nearly a decade. So, who’s truly the greatest? That remains up for debate.
On the flip side, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the franchise’s first NBA championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the Finals. With the win, he joins a short list of players to earn an NBA title, league MVP and scoring crown in the same season.
SGA’s rise has reignited the conversation, and Thunder history just got a lot more interesting.
The reality that SGA has brought the Thunder to the West’s best seed, on track to record an historic win. Despite health issues, he was the runaway favorite for the 2025 NBA MVP award which speaks to the success of his style of play.
His past success, finishing second in last year’s MVP vote and making back-to-back All-NBA First Team, adds to the evidence of him as an elite player.
READ: RECAP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered MVP-caliber performances
