Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting together a historic NBA season, delivering eye-popping numbers while emerging as the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award. As his dominance continues, the praise has followed—most recently from Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, who likened him to some of the game’s greatest guards, Dwyane Wade, Penny Hardaway, and James Harden.
In an interview on 7 PM in Brooklyn, Anthony shared his thoughts on SGA’s rapid ascent. “This is the beginning of a run for him,” Anthony said. “He’s the evolution of a Penny Hardaway, of a Dwyane Wade… and he’s James [Harden] a little bit.”
Being compared to three iconic players is a monumental recognition. After finishing as the runner-up in last season’s MVP race behind Nikola Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander has taken his game to another level this year. He currently leads the league in scoring and, for the second consecutive season, is the NBA’s leader in free throws made per game.
Skill set breakdown: how SGA stacks up against Wade, Hardaway, and Harden
From a scoring standpoint, SGA currently leads the league in points per game, showcasing an elite ability to generate offense. His mid-range efficiency echoes Wade’s mastery in the in-between game. However, unlike Wade—who relied on explosive athleticism and physicality—Shai’s scoring approach is more methodical, resembling Harden’s footwork-heavy, isolation-based style that emphasizes foul-drawing and efficiency.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball up the court against the Washington Wizards.
As a playmaker, Hardaway was one of the most naturally gifted passers the game has seen, using his 6’7” frame to see over defenses and orchestrate plays at an elite level. While Shai doesn’t quite match Hardaway’s vision, his facilitating ability has steadily improved. This season, he’s finding a balance between scoring and distributing, much like Harden did during his prime in Houston.
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Defensively, Shai separates himself from the trio. Unlike Harden—who faced criticism for his lackluster defense—and Hardaway, who was more offensively focused, SGA has evolved into a true two-way force. His defensive instincts mirror Wade’s, with quick hands, strong anticipation, and a relentless approach. Leading the league in steals per game, he has proven himself as a major presence on both ends of the floor.
Has SGA redefined the modern scoring guard?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just a hybrid of Wade, Hardaway, and Harden—he represents the evolution of the modern scoring NBA guard. By blending elements of past legends with a unique and adaptable skill set, SGA is carving out his own legacy. If he continues on this trajectory, he won’t just be compared to the greats—he’ll be setting the standard for the next generation of elite guards.
