Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a truly special player, there's no debating it, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker has gained a lot of ground against his cousin this season.
In a recent podcast hosted by The Old Man and the Three (formerly JJ Redick's pod before he became the Lakers' head coach), Alexander-Walker discussed his background with his cousin, specifically citing the fire his uncle lit under both of them:
"His dad always used to say this like you got to want to be better than him and he has to want to be better than you. Like he told us that all the time."
SGA and NAW's trial-by-fire development as kids
Shai's father was a huge piece in developing both his son and his nephew, not only in sparking their development together, but also their growth against all others in their youth leagues. In the same pod, NAW said this about him:
"He always told us that we had to be the best, you have to do what no one wants to do."
The cousins have certainly done this and more. SGA's seemingly infinitely deep scoring bag is a testament to his ability to "do what no one wants to do." No doubt countless nights in the gym practicing shots and footwork were spent, mastering techniques that few others have ever dared to attempt.
Nickeil, on the other hand, may not have the scoring versatility that Shai does (althoughhis scoring this year has been legitimately astonishing, standing alone), but his defense has reached another level. From the very beginning of the season, Alexander-Walker has been a standout defensive tool in Quin Snyder's rotation, and then some.
All of their ludicrous talent and impact on winning beg the question:
Are SGA and NAW the best cousins in NBA history?
With Alexander-Walker's recent surge for the Hawks, there's a serious argument for Shai and Nickeil to be the best pair of cousins to ever play in the NBA.
The clear leader prior to this season to hold such a title was quite clearly Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Both having illustrious careers, they may rank higher all-time than the Alexander cousins. That being said, I'd give the peak-for-peak nod to SGA and NAW.
Another interesting wrinkle to consider is Tyrese Haliburton. Few know he's cousins with Jalen Suggs, an All-Defensive caliber guard for the Orlando Magic. While they're certainly comparable, I'd still lean towards Shai and Nickeil.
Years and years of development later, being (arguably) the best cousins that the NBA has ever seen is certainly fun, but no doubt not what the pair are striving towards in the next few months. Shai has the opportunity to add another ring to his resume, and NAW has a chance to prove himself another instrumental piece to a dark-horse title team.
What started as a playground rivalry has evolved into so much more. NAW and SGA each deserve their flowers for their rapid rise to excellence.
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