Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Rejects Michael Jordan Legacy Comparison

Thunder star pushes back against premature Jordan parallels, embraces respect for basketball legends

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an NBA MVP, champion, and Finals MVP, has faced increasing comparisons to Michael Jordan due to his impressive career progression. However, in an interview during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed discomfort with these comparisons, stating that it's a 'disservice' to compare him to Jordan's accomplishments just 7 years into his own career. Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged Jordan as the greatest player of all time, along with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but emphasized the need to earn his own legacy over time rather than accept premature accolades.

Why it matters

The debate around Gilgeous-Alexander's legacy and comparisons to all-time greats like Michael Jordan highlights the weight of expectations on rising NBA stars. While the comparisons reflect Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive accomplishments, he is determined to shape his own story over time rather than rush the narrative, showing maturity and a commitment to long-term achievement.

The details

Through eight NBA seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 25.2 points per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, earning an MVP award, a championship title, and a Finals MVP distinction. His rise alongside Oklahoma City's rapid transformation from a rebuilding franchise to title contenders has invited discussions about his legacy in the league. During the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, Gilgeous-Alexander participated in media sessions and responded to the growing Jordan comparisons, expressing his discomfort with them and stating that it's a 'disservice' to compare him to Jordan's accomplishments just 7 years into his career.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander has completed 7 full NBA seasons and is playing through his 8th.
  • The comparisons to Michael Jordan have increased during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An NBA star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who has averaged 25.2 points per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, and has earned an MVP award, a championship title, and a Finals MVP distinction.

Michael Jordan

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, who won 6 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and is known for his dominance, including a 32.3 points per game average at 51.9 percent shooting in his first 8 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly speaking, I don't really love them, just because he's 3-peated twice... I think it's a disservice to compare me 7 years in to what he's been. I don't love them but I appreciate them.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA Player (Billboard)

“I regard Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time, alongside Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, whom he places on basketball's Mount Rushmore.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA Player (TSN)

What’s next

Another championship win would deepen the conversation about Gilgeous-Alexander's legacy and support sustained dominance as a defining factor.

The takeaway

Gilgeous-Alexander's perspective on the Jordan comparisons shows his maturity and commitment to earning his own legacy over time, rather than accepting premature accolades. His respect for basketball's all-time greats is evident, but he is determined to shape his own story and not be defined by comparisons to past legends.