What happens when you replace an MVP frontrunner with a promising rookie? That's the wild hypothetical Bill Simmons and Tim Legler tackled on a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, diving deep into the value of Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The discussion, which naturally centered on the NBA MVP race, took a fascinating turn. Simmons posed a bold thought experiment: If you swapped Shai for Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, how would the Thunder's league-best record hold up?
It's a classic "test of team strength" scenario. The Thunder finished the season with an impressive 64 wins, but how much of that success is built around their All-NBA guard?
Simmons laid out the premise to his guest, former NBA sharpshooter and analyst Tim Legler. "Brandin Podziemski is now in the SGA spot... It's the exact same season, but I've replaced SGA. How many wins does OKC have?"
Legler's initial estimate was surprisingly optimistic, suggesting the team could still win in the "mid-50s? Upper 50s?" Simmons then revealed his own projection: 53 wins. Legler conceded, "Okay, that's probably right."
But a glance at the stats highlights just how monumental that 11-win drop would be. Shai is having a historic season, averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, firmly placing him in the league's elite tier. Podziemski, while a solid contributor for Golden State, averages 13.7 points and 3.8 assists.
This hypothetical isn't a slight on Podziemski's potential but a powerful testament to Shai's singular impact. It underscores how one transcendent player can elevate a team from a playoff contender to the top of the standings—a reminder of the value of a true franchise cornerstone, the kind of player who defines a team's identity and success.