Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Growing Impact in the NBA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at a youthful 26, stands as a central figure in the NBA, not just for his talents on the court but also for his positive influence on the Oklahoma City Thunder. While he's considered a veteran on his team, especially when paired alongside younger teammates like 22-year-old Chet Holmgren and 23-year-old Jalen Williams, he's not the oldest or most experienced player. Players like Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams, both 30, bring more years of game experience. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership shines through both his actions and his spirit.
A Player Committed to His Team and Its Future
Interestingly, Gilgeous-Alexander's commitment to the Thunder is as strong off the court as it is on it. "I love Oklahoma City," he stated unwaveringly, voicing a connection to the city and team that's about more than the market size or financial gain. His pride and belief in the team are clear, as he adds, "I can't see a world where I'm not in OKC." This conviction comes at a time when the Thunder's record stood at 24-58 in the 2022 season, highlighting not only his optimism but his unyielding faith in potential growth and future triumphs.
His signing of a five-year contract extension with the Thunder reflects this belief, and he's quick to acknowledge that losing won’t be a part of the team’s narrative for much longer. "I know what I signed up for when I signed a five-year extension, and I don't think we're going to be losing for much longer," he confidently declared, emphasizing his long-term vision for success.
MVP Conversations and Future Prospects
In addition to his role as a key player for the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander is now a part of the MVP conversation in the NBA, a testament not only to his outstanding play but also to his consistency on the court. Having started in the NBA All-Star Game last year and predicted to snag a spot on the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year, his talent is undisputed. His dedication to his craft is encapsulated in his own words: "I go to work every day with a smile on my face. The money doesn't matter, to a certain extent. As long as I enjoy what I'm doing at a very high level, love the people that I'm around doing it, market doesn't matter to me."
Moreover, the prospect of a four-year supermax extension looms, starting at 35% of the 2027-28 salary cap, potentially extending his paydays through the 2030-31 season. This paints a future that's not just financially rewarding but laden with potential milestones and achievements.
An Undeniable Presence on the Court
For the Thunder’s general manager, Sam Presti, and indeed for fans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's journey is one to watch eagerly. His statement, "I believe in this team," resonates as more than just optimism; it reflects a genuine belief that exciting days lie ahead for the OKC franchise. His presence as both a mentor to younger teammates and a pillar of the team's aspirations makes him a crucial component of the Thunder's rebuilding journey. Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Shai's impact on the Thunder and the NBA is significant and enduring.