Jason Kidd Sends 7-Word Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Statement: He’s Not Wrong
The NBA is a league that thrives on high drama, exhilarating performances, and jaw-dropping moments, but it also has its fair share of hard-hitting statements and intense rivalries. Sometimes, these statements come from players, but just as often, they come from coaches, analysts, and former players. Every once in a while, a remark stands out for its insight, brevity, or sheer impact. One such statement recently came from Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who, with just seven words, weighed in on one of the NBA’s rising stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and his undeniable talent.
Kidd, a Hall-of-Fame point guard, is known for his leadership both on and off the court, and his words carry weight in the basketball community. However, when he took the time to make a concise, yet bold, statement about Gilgeous-Alexander’s skill set, the basketball world took notice. The seven words he shared were simple yet powerful: “He’s one of the best players in the league.”
On the surface, it might seem like a straightforward compliment, but in the context of the NBA, and especially in the case of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the statement holds significant weight. It’s a reflection of just how far the young star has come in a short amount of time. It’s also an acknowledgment of Gilgeous-Alexander’s transformative impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that has long been in the midst of a rebuild but is now emerging as a legitimate playoff contender.
In this article, we will break down the meaning behind Jason Kidd’s seven-word statement, explore why it resonates so deeply, and analyze the game-changing evolution of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. We’ll also delve into Kidd’s own legacy and why his endorsement of Gilgeous-Alexander is such a notable moment. Additionally, we’ll look at the trajectory of both players and the implications of this kind of praise on Gilgeous-Alexander’s future in the NBA.
The Growing Legacy of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
For those who may not be fully familiar with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate his meteoric rise in the NBA. The 6’6” point guard, who was drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, was quickly recognized as one of the league’s most promising young players.
However, over the past few seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander has grown from a promising prospect into a bona fide superstar, capable of carrying an offense and playing at an All-NBA level. His scoring, playmaking, and leadership have been at the center of Oklahoma City’s resurgence, making the Thunder one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Western Conference.
In the 2022-2023 season, Gilgeous-Alexander posted career highs in points per game, assists, and efficiency, firmly establishing himself as a top-tier player in the NBA. His ability to create his own shot, navigate defenses, and take over games in the clutch has earned him widespread recognition, and his offensive arsenal is as complete as any player in the league. He possesses a unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ that makes him virtually unguardable at times. His ability to drive to the basket, finish through contact, and also stretch the floor with his jumper makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
What sets Gilgeous-Alexander apart is his poise and maturity. Despite being just 25 years old, he plays with the control and decisiveness of a seasoned veteran. Whether it’s making the right pass, reading the defense, or stepping up in crucial moments, he has shown that he’s capable of being the leader of a franchise on the rise.
As of the 2023-2024 season, he’s continued to perform at an elite level, and the Thunder have positioned themselves as a serious threat in the Western Conference. His development has accelerated Oklahoma City’s rebuild, and there’s no question that his future is incredibly bright.
Jason Kidd: A Legacy of Excellence and Leadership
Before diving into why Kidd’s statement about Gilgeous-Alexander holds so much weight, it’s important to understand who Jason Kidd is and the kind of respect his words command. Kidd, a two-time NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, and one of the best point guards the league has ever seen, is known for his basketball IQ, leadership on the floor, and ability to elevate his teammates.
After a storied playing career, Kidd transitioned into coaching and has been the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks since 2021. His experience both as a player and as a coach gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Kidd’s ability to evaluate talent is sharp, and he has been known to make candid, insightful observations about players, often seeing the game in ways that few others can.
When Kidd speaks about a player’s greatness, it’s worth paying attention. His assessment of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as one of the best players in the league isn’t just praise from a coach—it’s the validation of a Hall of Famer who knows what it takes to dominate in the NBA.
But why is Kidd’s endorsement of Gilgeous-Alexander particularly meaningful?
Why Jason Kidd’s Statement Is So Significant
At first glance, a statement like “He’s one of the best players in the league” might seem like a compliment that’s easily thrown around. However, the context in which Kidd made this statement elevates its significance. Here’s why Kidd’s words resonate so strongly:
1. Kidd Knows What Greatness Looks Like
As one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history, Jason Kidd has seen and played alongside some of the game’s greatest players. His own career was a model of consistency, versatility, and leadership. Kidd has played with and against numerous Hall of Fame-caliber talents, including Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and LeBron James, to name just a few. So when he says that a player like Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best, it’s not just a throwaway compliment. It’s a statement from someone who has played at the highest level and understands what it takes to be truly elite.
Kidd’s endorsement also signals that Gilgeous-Alexander is not just a rising star—he’s now a player who is widely recognized as among the league’s elite. For a player to receive this level of praise from someone as seasoned as Kidd is an indication that Gilgeous-Alexander has arrived. He is no longer just a promising prospect; he’s one of the best players in the game.
2. The Context of the Western Conference
Jason Kidd made his statement in the context of the highly competitive Western Conference, which is stacked with elite talent. From MVP candidates like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić to perennial All-Stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, the West is home to some of the most dominant players in the NBA. In this landscape, standing out and being recognized as one of the best is no small feat.
For Kidd to say that Gilgeous-Alexander belongs in that group speaks volumes about the young guard’s ability to compete and succeed at the highest level. It’s a reflection of just how much respect Gilgeous-Alexander has earned from his peers and coaches alike, despite playing for a team that, until recently, was in the midst of a rebuild.
3. The Evolution of the Point Guard Position
Jason Kidd is widely regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, and his unique skill set redefined what a point guard could be in the NBA. Kidd was not just a scorer—he was an elite passer, rebounder, and defender who could control the flow of a game and elevate his teammates. His ability to do everything on the floor made him a true triple-threat.
In many ways, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a modern-day version of Kidd, blending scoring, playmaking, and defense into one dynamic package. Like Kidd, Gilgeous-Alexander has the ability to dominate a game in multiple ways, and he’s only getting better with time. His versatility as a point guard and a scorer allows him to excel in various aspects of the game, much like Kidd did during his prime. For Kidd to recognize these similarities and acknowledge Gilgeous-Alexander’s skill set is a significant nod to the evolution of the point guard position.
4. A Tribute to Oklahoma City’s Rebuild
The Thunder’s rebuild, led by Sam Presti, has been one of the most talked-about stories in recent years. After trading away stars like Paul George and Russell Westbrook, the franchise committed to a long-term development strategy, accumulating a stockpile of draft picks and developing young players.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the centerpiece of that rebuild, and his rapid ascension to stardom has accelerated the timeline for Oklahoma City’s return to playoff contention. For a coach like Kidd, who has been involved in building championship-contending teams, recognizing the quality of Gilgeous-Alexander’s talent also serves as a recognition of Oklahoma City’s success in navigating a difficult rebuild. Gilgeous-Alexander is the player who has brought the Thunder back into the spotlight, and Kidd’s acknowledgment of that speaks to the quality of the team’s direction.
What’s Next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
With Jason Kidd’s seven-word statement now in the
Be the first to comment