Shaq drops kill-shot case for why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the face of NBA

The 2019 trade sending Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the LA Clippers is increasingly viewed as a significant loss for Los Angeles. The Clippers no longer roster George, and the Thunder not only received substantial draft capital but also acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has developed into a superstar cornerstone for OKC.

Gilgeous-Alexander's achievements with the Thunder far surpass what Oklahoma City gave up in the trade. His accolades include three First-Team All-NBA selections, the 2025 NBA MVP award, and leading the franchise to its first NBA Championship (Larry O'Brien Trophy) since 1979 within just six years. He is already being discussed as a potential greatest player in Thunder history.

Shaquille O'Neal emphatically declared Gilgeous-Alexander the current face of the NBA during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, stating there is no debate. O'Neal, citing his experience playing alongside and observing legends like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, placed Gilgeous-Alexander in the category of all-time greatness, asserting "SGA is in there now."

O'Neal's endorsement is supported by Gilgeous-Alexander's historic 2024-25 season. He averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on 51.9% shooting and became only the fourth player ever to win the NBA MVP, scoring title, NBA Championship, and Finals MVP all in the same season – a feat last achieved by O'Neal himself.

O'Neal named Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic as the only other current players in this elite, all-time conversation, all of whom have previously been considered the league's face. Given his recent accomplishments, the article concludes it is now Gilgeous-Alexander's turn to hold the prestigious title of the NBA's face, a sentiment reinforced by O'Neal's strong comments.