The reigning MVP, Finals MVP and NBA champion is not No. 1? That's one way of looking at it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a perfect season as the leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder, dominating all season, and solid just enough to win the title despite two trips to Game 7.
Incredible throughout the season, the Canadian was voted Most Valuable Player for the first time in his seventh NBA season.
He went beyond the expectations of his franchise, which had bet everything on him when it exploded the Russell Westbrook - Paul George pairing in 2019.
Six years on, the OKC project has become a model of its kind.
But the biggest challenge is yet to come: managing to retain the NBA championship, something no team has managed to do since 2018.
Like the others, the Thunder seem to be favourites to do it, but in an ultra-competitive NBA, nothing is certain. All the executives (including SGA himself) have been extended at a premium, but be warned: each time, it has only taken a grain of sand to prevent the champion from doing the double.
To give themselves the best possible chance, they will have to do even more: is that possible? SGA is coming off a perfect season in virtually every area of the game.
As a formidable striker, a quality defender and a near-perfect leader, the only question that remains is whether he can go higher.
A back-to-back, for the MVP and/or the title, and the answer will be obvious.
2024/2025 stats: 32.7 points per game, 6.4 assists per game, 37.5% three-point percentage.
Target goal for 2025/2026: 34 points per game, 40% three-pointers, Most Valuable Player candidate, the title.