Two of the more unconventional NBA superstars in recent memory, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and James Harden have a lot more in common than you think. They're decorated all-time scorers who have mastered the dark arts of getting to the free-throw line at will.
Both also took off in their second NBA homes following controversial trades — Gilgeous-Alexander on the Oklahoma City Thunder; Harden on the Houston Rockets
.At the peak of his power, Harden was a walking high-volume 30-point scorer. He wasn't afraid of putting up MyCareer-esque shot attempts on an every-night basis. He was a one-man offense. The assist numbers back it up, too. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander is much friendlier and more economical with his 30-point scoring game. He plays within
the flow of the game. He can put up big scoring numbers while putting up Wilt-like efficiency numbers.
Once a healthy rival, Gilgeous-Alexander has surpassed Harden in the all-time rankings. He's captured two MVP trophies in a row, has averaged 30-plus points in four consecutive years and has a championship ring — all things that Harden has vied for his entire career, but has always fallen short.
And even one of the Rockets' favorite players said so. Vernon Maxwell begrudgingly conceded to the 'All the Smoke' podcast that Gilgeous-Alexander is a greater all-time player than Harden. He appeared on the NBA podcast in Mar. 2026 to admit as much.
"Oh man, James, you know I love you and your mom and s--t. I’m sorry, but I’m going to go with SGA," Maxwell said. "I’m going to go with SGA. I love you and your mama, man. So I’m sorry, but I've got to go with SGA. I’m sorry. I’m sorry."
You know it's over when Maxwell can't even back you up. The two-time NBA champion helped the Rockets capture the 1994-95 Larry O'Brien trophies as a 13-point scorer. Since then, he's repped Houston. Even in his post-playing days. When he's not trolling Utah Jazz fans online, he's backing up his favorite NBA franchise.
But even Maxwell knows you can't jump the shark. As awesome as Harden is, Gilgeous-Alexander is just better. The career accolades speak for themselves. Within the blink of an eye, Gilgeous-Alexander went from an interesting prospect to being in the same sentences as guys like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry. They're all era-defining guards with rings and trophies.
Both are future Hall-of-Famers in their own right. But I mean, c'mon — Gilgeous-Alexander is ahead of Harden in the all-time rankings. And that's been the case for a couple of years now.
Vernon Maxwell says he would take SGA over prime James Harden:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 18, 2026
“James, you know I love you and your mom and sh*t I’m sorry, but I’m going to go with SGA.
(Via @allthesmokeprod) pic.twitter.com/fITwVjL64E
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a greater all-time player than James Harden?
