Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise draws unexpected comparison to Magic legend Penny Hardaway
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credit: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Instagram)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
, the
Oklahoma City Thunder
guard, has completed his transformation from promising rookie to NBA superstar. After winning the 2024–25 MVP award, leading the league in scoring (32.7 PPG), and taking the Thunder to their first NBA Finals since 2012, an early career comparison to Orlando Magic legend Penny Hardaway now seems prophetic.
Was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander predicted to be the 'next Penny Hardway'?
During
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
's rookie season with the LA Clippers, a team staffer made a surprising claim—that the young guard could become "the next Penny Hardaway." At the time, the comparison was met with skepticism. Hardaway was a generational talent who led the Magic to the Finals at 23, earned multiple All-NBA First Team selections, and was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before injuries derailed his prime.
Now, the parallels are undeniable.
Why the Hardaway comparison holds up
Both players share a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Here's how their careers align:
Key similarities between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Penny Hardaway
- Size and position: Both stand around 6'6' with the ability to play point guard
- All-around impact: Elite scorers who also facilitate for teammates
- Winning influence: Transformed their teams into contenders early in their careers
Statistical comparison between Shai and Penny
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Image via: Nate Billings/ AP
Player
PPG
RPG
APG
All-NBA Selections
Finals Appearances
Penny Hardaway
19.0
4.7
6.3
3 (2 First Team)
1 (1995)
SGA (2024–25)
32.7
5.5
6.8
3 (1 First Team)
1 (2025)
Beyond stats, both players changed the trajectory of their franchises. Hardaway led the Magic to their first Finals in just his second season. Similarly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken
the Thunder
from rebuilders to title contenders.
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by Taboola
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The evolution of SGA's game that made him live up to the expectations
Early in his career, Gilgeous-Alexander was seen as a solid but unspectacular prospect. His gradual improvement—from efficient scorer to MVP-caliber superstar—mirrors Hardaway's ascent. Key developments in his game include:
- Elite scoring: Improved from 23.7 PPG in 2022–23 to 32.7 PPG in 2024–25
- Clutch performance: Ranked among the league's best in fourth-quarter scoring
- Defensive growth: Became a lockdown perimeter defender
A full-circle moment for the Thunder star
What once seemed like an exaggerated comparison now looks like foresight. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not only matched Hardaway's early-career success but surpassed it in some areas. As the Thunder compete for a championship, SGA's legacy continues to grow—validating that bold prediction from his rookie year.
Also read:
NBA Free Agency Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Target $10.46 million San Antonio Spurs star as Kyrie Irving's Injury Shakes Up Backcourt Plans After ACL Setback
The NBA Finals will be another opportunity for him to cement his place among the game's greats, just as Hardaway did nearly 30 years ago.
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