Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has risen into one of the top players in the NBA today, after leading the OKC Thunder to the franchise's first NBA championship. Gilgeous-Alexander also won MVP last season on top of the scoring title before continuing his brilliance once more this season for the Thunder's league-best start.The Thunder star's impressive showings caught the attention of former NBA champion Paul Pierce, who compared him to NBA great Michael Jordan in an episode of the No Fouls Given podcast.“You can’t stop him. He’s starting to give me that Jordan presence," Pierce, who won the 2008 NBA title with the Boston Celtics, said. "He's going to get 30. We had Kobe, LeBron, KD, and they’ll have big nights, but this dude is consistent 30s.”His declaration triggered NBA fans' outcry as many believed Gilgeous-Alexander has yet to earn his right to be compared to Jordan, who won six NBA titles in his career. Some also called out Gilgeous-Alexander's constant foul-baiting, one that Jordan is not known for.BIG GRIZZ!!! @dd_hamerLINK@Fullcourtpass @NFGShow @NBA__Courtside Get him to a doctor. He sick or on a deadly drug. Micheal Jordan did not flop for fouls. Stop the cap. He is cool. The refs make him great.TheSoloWolf @Malakiy7SimsLINK@Fullcourtpass @NFGShow @NBA__Courtside So let me get this straight LeBron James has to fight tooth and nail to be even slightly closer to Michael Jordan Stephen Curry who doesn’t get his fouls called has to win five rings to be better than Magic. SGA wins one ring and you’re comparing him to Michael Jordan.RebelScum @han64compuserveLINK@Fullcourtpass @NFGShow @NBA__Courtside It is hard to stop someone that pushes off on every shot. Literally shoves his elbow into the defender to create space. Why the refs don't call it is beyond reasoning.Others believed Jordan played in a tougher era than Gilgeous-Alexander and was undeniably the best player in the sport during his time, unlike the Thunder star.Atomic Punk @tigerjunkyLINK@Fullcourtpass @NFGShow @NBA__Courtside First, he’s not Jordan. Jordan averaged 36 in an era where games went into the 80’s and 90’s, Not 120’s like today’s game. Also, so much physicality then Second, I would absolutely love SGA but I can’t get past the flopping. It’s just unwatchable and anti-competitive.Brandon @BrandonP901MemLINK@Fullcourtpass @NFGShow @NBA__Courtside 30pts averaging 21 FG attempts per game plus FT, respectfully shut the hell upTopicx @TopicxTVLINK@Fullcourtpass @NFGShow @NBA__Courtside Eye test doesn’t lie, this dude is nowhere near Kobe, LeBron or KD.Gilgeous-Alexander has continued his fine play this season, averaging 32.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game this season for the 20-1 Thunder. Additionally, he has yet to score less than 23 points this season.Gilgeous-Alexander is currently riding a 93-game streak where he puts up 20 or more points. The feat eclipsed Wilt Chamberlain's streak for the second-longest in NBA history.Thunder teammate details how hard Gilgeous-Alexander works to continue his scoring consistencyThunder forward Jalen Williams praised Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's work ethic, saying that he has been working on his game tirelessly to continue to raise his ceiling as a player.This came after Gilgeous-Alexander's 93rd straight 20-point game in the Thunder's win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday."That's pretty insane. I think seeing him work out in the summer, seeing him work tirelessly on his body and his craft, it's not so much of a shock to me to hear that stat," Williams said. "He works hard enough, and he outworks a lot of the competition, to where it's almost expected.""Just how hard he works in trying to perfect his craft, it also doesn't shock me."Gilegous-Alexander is expected to continue to anchor the Thunder this season as they look to become the first team to nab back-to-back NBA titles in seven years.