Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked by Mallika Andrews about Anthony Edwards‘ comments about being better than both him and Luka Doncic recently.
“I expected him to say that. I wouldn’t expect him to say that one of us is better than him. The thing about NBA players and especially guys that are that talented, we all believe we’re the best and that what we bring to the table is special and unique. So he has every right to believe that.”
SGA on Anthony Edwards saying he's better than him and Luka: pic.twitter.com/sv32IOr9f0
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 7, 2024
These are arguably the three best young players in the NBA and all future MVP candidates. Shai might win his first MVP this year itself if the OKC Thunder manage to outlast the Nuggets and Timberwolves for the first seed in the West.
Edwards had one of his best performances of the year in the Wolves’ two-point win over the Indiana Pacers hours after Karl-Anthony Towns was ruled out with a meniscus tear which likely ends his regular season. Edwards dropped 44 points and had the game-winning block on Aaron Nesmith to ensure they left with the W.
Which One Of The Three Is The Best Right Now?
All three players are so talented that they could trade places for the best young player in the NBA right now, if not the outright best player in the NBA.
From what we’ve seen so far, Edwards has to slot into third place. He’s averaging 26.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season and is leading the No. 1 seed in the West, but is prone to cold streaks and inconsistent offensive performances. He could have the highest ceiling out of the three but has yet to show he can produce at the level of the other two.
Shai might have surpassed Luka this season and could win an MVP before him, but given what we’ve seen from their careers as a whole, Shai slots in second here. He’s averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season and has led the OKC Thunder to the second seed. His impact on OKC is greater than that of Edwards on Minnesota, certifying himself as the leading two-way guard in the NBA but is yet to prove himself in the postseason.
Luka might be on the worst-performing team of the three, but his production and history have to keep him at the top spot for now. He’s averaging 34.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season. He would’ve been a shoo-in MVP if the Mavericks weren’t the No. 8 seed in the West. While he’s the weakest defensively of the three, his offense is transcendent and we know it translates to the playoffs as well.
If Dallas can’t win like OKC or Minnesota, Doncic may be surpassed by the end of this season by Edwards or Shai. The playoffs will be the real test for all three, and that’s the arena where Shai is unproven and Ant has yet to exit the first round.
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