ESPN released a list Wednesday ranking the top-25 NBA players under the age of 25 based on potential. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied for 10th along with Suns guard Devin Booker.
NBA insiders Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton and Mike Schmitz comprised the voting panel. Schmitz, who specializes in NBA draft coverage, was the high man on Gilgeous-Alexander. Schmitz ranked Gilgeous-Alexander fifth overall.
“Among the guards in the top 10, none has a higher defensive upside than Gilgeous-Alexander, given his tools and instincts,” Schmitz wrote. “Don't be surprised to see SGA closer to the top five on next year's list.