Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has already spent the last few years turning NBA record books into his own personal notebook. He snapped Wilt Chamberlain’s 20-point streak, and he’s one of just four players ever to win a scoring title, regular-season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same season. So the question now is simple: what’s left?
Months ago, when he was asked that exact thing after ending Wilt’s 63-year streak of consecutive 20-point games, Gilgeous-Alexander gave a telling answer. He said the one thing still missing from his offensive résumé is a full season in the 50.0/40.0/90.0 club.
That benchmark has been close, but never quite there, across his soon-to-be nine-year career.
His best run came in his second season with the Thunder, when he played only 35 games but shot 50.8 percent from the field and a career-high 41.8 percent from three. The one number that kept him out was the line, where he finished at 80.8 percent.
Last season brought him even nearer to the mark. His percentages moved above and below those thresholds at different points, but the final line settled at 55.3/38.6/87.9.
Now, heading into his eighth season in Oklahoma City, there’s reason to think that pursuit is still very much alive.
One possible clue came earlier this summer, when reports said Gilgeous-Alexander had been working to sharpen his off-ball offensive game while playing for Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Canada head coach Gordie Herbert said that adding that layer could make the Thunder star even "tougher to guard."
That fits with what Gilgeous-Alexander already does well. He’s one of the league’s most dangerous isolation scorers, but he’s also been highly efficient when used as a catch-and-shoot threat.
Last season, he posted a 60.8 effective field goal percentage in those situations. The year before, he was even more explosive there, putting up a 65.3 effective field goal percentage and shooting 46.6 from long range.
If he keeps leaning into more work away from the ball, he may not need to grind for every look the way he does when he’s initiating everything himself. Cleaner chances could mean less physical strain and better shooting numbers across the board.
And if that happens, the 50-40-90 club may finally get its 10th member.
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Thunder Rookie Is Already Fighting For His Spot In A Crowded Race
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Dix at least gave the front office something to think about in Summer League, where his shot creation hinted at a usable offensive skill set. The problem is that Oklahoma City is not just looking for a scorer it is looking for someone who can survive defensively and stand up to the physical demands that come with NBA minutes, and that is where the real test begins for a player trying to turn a strong first impression into an actual seat on the roster. [Read more 🡒]