Bleacher Report picks clear side in Luka Doncic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debate

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Eight years after the 2018 NBA Draft, the debate over the top pick is peaking. Luka Doncic just led the league in scoring, averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists that rival the greatest seasons in history.

At the same time, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting and is a finalist for his second straight MVP.

With both players having historic years, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey re-ranked the class and passed on the scoring champion for his number one spot.

Here is why Bleacher Report picked SGA over Luka Doncic​

Bleacher Report ranked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 1 and Luka Doncic at No. 2. The decision came down to overall impact rather than just scoring.

On paper, Doncic is incredible. In his first 514 games, he put up 15,021 points, 4,376 rebounds, and 4,230 assists. It is a combination of stats no other player has matched in that timeframe. He currently ranks third in career scoring average and fourth in career box plus/minus.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent success shifted the debate. In 2025, he won the MVP and Finals MVP while leading the league in scoring, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal as the only players to do so in one year. He also joined Jordan as the only guard to average 30 points on 50% shooting for four straight seasons.

Efficiency is what ultimately sets them apart. Since 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander has matched Dončić’s production while beating him in shooting percentages, box plus/minus, and wins over replacement. Having two MVPs to Dončić’s zero made the choice easier.

Doncic’s season also faced hurdles. He played 64 games, one short of the league’s award threshold, after missing time for the birth of his daughter. While the NBA eventually granted him eligibility, the situation highlighted how injuries and timing have slowed his postseason momentum compared to Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Lakers and Thunder start their series on Tuesday, May 5, but Los Angeles will likely be without Doncic. Reports from Slovenia suggest his hamstring recovery is slow, with a hopeful return for Game 4 on May 11. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says that's optimistic since Doncic hasn't started contact drills yet.

Oklahoma City enters the second round after sweeping the Suns. They’ve also beaten the Lakers in six of their last seven games. If Doncic returns and leads a comeback, the debate over who should have been the top pick might reopen.

But for now, Gilgeous-Alexander has the trophies and the No. 1 spot in Bleacher Report's rankings.

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