Former ESPN writer Bill Simmons now hosts The Bill Simmons Podcast, where he regularly discusses NBA topics with high-profile guests.
For instance, Tim Legler, a former NBA shooting guard turned analyst, joined him in the latest episode. The pair explored several talking points, including the MVP race.
That conversation inevitably centred on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the Oklahoma City Thunder star is among the leading candidates for the award this season.
In that context, they shared a bold take regarding the defending MVP.
Bill Simmons and Tim Legler use a Brandin Podziemski hypothetical to question OKC’s reliance on SGA
During the discussion, Simmons proposed a bold hypothetical scenario. He questioned how the Thunder would perform if Shai was replaced by Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski.
The idea was not presented as realistic, but as a way to test Oklahoma City’s overall strength. The Thunder currently hold the best record in the league with 64 wins in 80 games.
Simmons framed the situation directly to Legler. “Brandon Przemski is now in the SGA spot and probably a little more [time for] Ajay Mitchell. And everything else is the same.
“Jalen Williams still gets hurt. You have all the other guys. It’s the exact same season, but I’ve replaced SGA. How many wins does OKC have?”
Legler responded with a surprisingly high estimate. “Mid 50s? Upper 50s?” he said.
Simmons then revealed his own projection. “I had 53 and 29,” he stated, with Legler replying, “Okay, that’s probably right.”
Brandin Podziemski and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander numbers highlight clear production gap
A closer look at the numbers could offer a different perspective. Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the league’s most productive players this season.
He is averaging 33.2 minutes, 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. Those figures place him firmly among the NBA’s elite.
Podziemski’s contributions are more modest in comparison. The Warriors guard averages 28.5 minutes, 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
That statistical gap raises questions about the hypothetical. It suggests Simmons and Legler may be underestimating the scale of Shai’s influence on Oklahoma City’s success.
Read more: