Strolling through downtown OKC under the blazing sun, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making a compelling case as the greatest player in Oklahoma City Thunder history. Yet, NBA legend Dwyane Wade believes the title still belongs to Russell Westbrook.
In a clip that caught fire on social media, Wade, an NBA Hall-of-Famer, shared his thoughts on Westbrook’s legacy with the Thunder. "I still think that Russell Westbrook is the greatest player in Oklahoma City history right now.
Doesn't mean he's going to end up that. To me, I still believe that," Wade stated.
He drew parallels to his own career, suggesting that one MVP season doesn’t instantly crown a player as the greatest in franchise history.
While Westbrook’s contributions are undeniable, Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements are hard to overlook. With more MVP awards on the horizon and the potential to bring a championship to OKC, his trajectory is impressive. He's aiming to join the ranks of legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Stephen Curry-names that sit a few tiers above Westbrook in the all-time discussions.
Wade, however, focuses on Westbrook’s historic triple-double prowess. His MVP season, where he averaged a 30-point triple-double, was a feat not seen since Oscar Robertson.
Wade emphasizes the importance of longevity, suggesting that Gilgeous-Alexander needs to sustain his performance over a longer period. Yet, Westbrook’s peak, while brilliant, saw a swift decline in the 2020s.
"Russ averaged four triple-doubles," Wade noted. "He did something that people said would never be done again, and he did it four times."
While Westbrook is undoubtedly on OKC’s Mt. Rushmore, alongside Kevin Durant, Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent performances have propelled him to the forefront. His efficient scoring and dynamic play have shifted perceptions, even if some fans are still catching up.
"I'm not saying he needs to do more," Wade added. "He's just only done it for two years."
As the debate continues, Gilgeous-Alexander’s star keeps rising, promising an exciting chapter in Thunder history.