As the NBA Summer League nears its end, Bleacher Report has jumped ahead of the usual schedule by publishing its top 100 NBA players of all time, igniting debate among fans and analysts. The early release, coming before the typical August timeframe, has drawn attention for several questionable player rankings and notable omissions.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Breakout Season Overlooked Despite Exceptional Achievements

One of the most striking exclusions from the list is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a historically great season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring, won the NBA MVP award, earned the Western Conference Finals MVP, and claimed his first NBA championship alongside the Finals MVP trophy. In addition, he made his third All-Star appearance, secured a third All-NBA selection, and ranked in the top five of MVP voting for the third straight year. His season averages included 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and one block per game, marked by shooting efficiency of 52% from the field, 37% on three-pointers, and 89% at the free-throw line. Despite these credentials, Gilgeous-Alexander was not included in Bleacher Report’s top 100.

Ranking Inconsistencies Highlighted by Placement of Other Players

In a stark contrast, Jimmy Butler appears at No. 83 on the list, though he has only three more All-Star appearances than Gilgeous-Alexander and has played twice as many seasons. While Butler’s career is admirable and likely Hall of Fame-bound, his peak season level does not match the historic campaign Gilgeous-Alexander just completed. Butler’s higher ranking over other established players such as Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Bernard King, Jayson Tatum, Chauncey Billups, Tony Parker, and Sam Jones further fuels questions about the criteria used for these rankings. Some speculate that Butler’s off-court business ventures, like his Big Face Coffee brand, may have influenced his elevated status.

Other Active Stars Positioned Above Gilgeous-Alexander, Raising Further Questions

The list also places several active stars—including Paul George, Damian Lillard, and Joel Embiid—ahead of Gilgeous-Alexander. Luka Doncic, ranked No. 57, is another young talent whose ranking invites debate due to limited career sample size, a concern that could equally apply to Gilgeous-Alexander’s placement. This disparity adds complexity to evaluating current players against historical greats.

Local Media Perspectives on Gilgeous-Alexander’s Recognition

Rylan Stiles, a prominent media figure covering the Oklahoma City Thunder and host of the Locked On Thunder Podcast, as well as Lead Beat Writer for Inside the Thunder, has contributed commentary on the ongoing discussion regarding Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishments and his absence from the list. His insights emphasize the perplexity and disappointment felt by many fans and experts alike.

Impact of the List and Future Discussions Expected

While Bleacher Report’s top 100 players list may not be definitive in the wider scope of NBA discourse, its early release generated significant conversation and highlighted the challenges of ranking players across eras and careers. The exclusion of Gilgeous-Alexander, given his landmark season, underscores the difficulty in balancing current achievements with historical legacy. This debate is likely to continue as more comprehensive rankings emerge and Gilgeous-Alexander’s career progresses.