Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas recently shared his perspective on the ongoing debate between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) regarding their legacies in the basketball world. Speaking on Friday’s livestream of “The Arena,” Arenas weighed in on the question of which star holds a bigger legacy if both were to retire at this moment.
The discussion took place during a segment analyzing the Lakers’ narrow 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Arenas confidently stated that Luka Doncic’s legacy currently surpasses that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“If both their careers stopped right now, Luka would probably be in front of Shai,” Arenas said. He emphasized Luka’s consistent excellence, pointing out that Doncic is a five-time All-NBA first team selection. In comparison, Shai has been named to the All-NBA team three times.
“One is a five-time All-NBA first team,” Arenas explained, “Shai is a three-time All-NBA. One has been the number one player at his position for five straight years.”
Despite Arenas’ assertion, some members of his podcast crew expressed skepticism. They compared statistics and took into account the differing circumstances under which both players entered the league. Nevertheless, Arenas held firm on his viewpoint.
“You can use whatever reason you want, but one is a five-time, five-year straight first team — that from his rookie season he was first team,” Arenas continued. “One is a five-time All-NBA, one is a three-time All-NBA. One has an MVP, one has that soon. But Shai needed all of that to catch where Luka is at the same age.”
**Comparing Accomplishments: Luka Doncic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**
Luka Doncic undeniably ranks among the most exciting offensive players in the NBA today. However, when it comes to accomplishments, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander currently leads the conversation.
While Doncic boasts five All-NBA selections, he has yet to secure major awards. On the other hand, SGA recently won the MVP, Finals MVP, and the NBA Championship—all during the last season—giving him an edge in tangible accolades over the Dallas superstar.
**Gilbert Arenas Refuses to Rank Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**
Later in the livestream, former Laker Nick Young pressed Arenas to definitively rank who he believes is the number one player between Luka and Shai. However, Arenas declined to explicitly place one above the other.
(At timestamp 35:22) Young asked, “Who’s one and who’s two?”
Arenas replied, “Whoever you want. Whoever you value.”
Young shared that he personally views SGA as the number one player in their comparison. Arenas responded by highlighting that Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakthrough last season was crucial in closing the gap with Doncic, who has been consistently excellent.
However, Young countered by mentioning the different team dynamics each player has faced in their careers. He noted that Luka has had a team built around him for several years in Dallas, whereas SGA joined the Thunder in his second year, became their star player in his third, and led them to a championship by his fourth season.
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This ongoing debate highlights the different paths and achievements of two of the NBA’s brightest young stars. Whether legacy is defined by steady accolades, peak accomplishments, or impact on a team, both Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continue to shape the future of the league.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-former-nba-star-makes-bold-statement-arguing-luka-doncic-s-legacy-dwarfs-shai-gilgeous-alexander-s-under-this-one-condition