ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst picks SGA as an ideal franchise cornerstone

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established his case as one of the world's best players. He charged the Oklahoma City Thunder towards greatness using his brilliance and deadly game, spearheading them to an astounding 57-win season last 2023-24 that topped the entire Western Conference. His progression across the years has been off the charts, transforming SGA into a perennial MVP candidate.

SGA’s remarkable growth and leadership for the Thunder has drawn massive acclaim in the entire league, making him an ideal building block to construct the franchise around.

An ideal cornerstone

In the latest episode of ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast, NBA analysts Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon conducted a fantasy draft that determines their preferences on who's the best player to start a franchise with today.

Windhorst identified SGA as his choice for his fourth pick, who only came after Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic on the list.

“He's got the ability to dominate without his athleticism. Well, he still uses it, but without sort of using his need to get in the air. He dominates below the rim, great footwork, top five in the MVP two years in a row. I feel good here [in picking SGA],” Windy said .

A standout culture setter

Windy didn't make a mistake in selecting SGA as the centerpiece of his ideal NBA franchise. Now approaching his prime at age 26, Shai is currently in a perfect position to amass more individual and group accolades. He has already shown his immense skill set and capabilities to carry a team of his own to the mountaintop.

Besides these significant factors, Gilgeous-Alexander already proved himself as a commendable leader, which MacMahon further highlighted.

“The other thing you have to consider with SGA is he's a phenomenal superstar in terms of being a culture setter. He is about his business, there's no bull—, there's no drama. He's got a big role in the working culture that they have with the Thunder,” MacMahon said.

“I think the other guys kind of fall in line behind him. Sam Presti drafts like he looks for a certain kind of character in the draft process and all of that. But SGA is a great guy in terms of setting the tone for your culture.”

Related: ESPN panel votes SGA third-most-likely candidate to win 2025 MVP