Through five games Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is scoring 26.0 points on 31.3% usage, but his 26.5% from three and 54.4% true shooting are below the standard of a reigning MVP. With Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace out until March, the Thunder need him to be efficient more than they need more volume.
The Load Without Help
Jalen Williams is out with a left leg injury and Cason Wallace with a left shoulder injury, and both have an estimated return of March 2. Alex Caruso, Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber are not expected back until November 4, and Chet Holmgren is still listed with a right knee issue. That leaves Gilgeous-Alexander playing 33.1 minutes with 31.3% usage, while Ajay Mitchell, at 18.6 points, is the only other steady scorer. Thunderous Intentions' G.C. Bellchamber called Mitchell's emergence a gift to Gilgeous-Alexander, and the numbers back that up. Mitchell's scoring keeps the offense from depending on one player.
Where the Line Slips
He is shooting 45.9% from the field and 87.5% at the line, but only 26.5% on 6.8 threes per game. That three-point rate pulls his true shooting down to 54.4%. His assist rate is 17.3%, with 3.4 assists against 1.8 turnovers. His defense has held up: 1.2 steals, 1.4 blocks and a 107.0 defensive rating. His 9.6 net rating is well above the team's 3.4, so he is still the reason the Thunder are winning. Zane Gelphman of Thunderous Intentions argued that his new role may be costing him his best asset. The volume of threes fits that argument.
The Price Climbs Next Summer
He earns $40.8M this season, then $61.0M in 2027-28, rising to $75.6M by 2030-31. The current payroll is $214.8M, past the $200.4M tax line, so his raise is the biggest cost the roster plans around. Saturday in Houston is a fair test. The Rockets are 5-0, but they are playing the second night of a back-to-back and listing Alperen Sengun with a back issue. Our verdict: until Williams returns, Gilgeous-Alexander has to win games with drives and free throws, not volume from three. A 26.0-point average on better shooting is worth more than 30 on worse shooting.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injured?
No. He is not on the injury report and has played all five games, averaging 33.1 minutes.
How much is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's contract worth?
He earns $40.8M in 2026-27, and his salary rises to $61.0M in 2027-28. It reaches $75.6M in 2030-31.
