Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Rising to Prominence in the NBA
At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as a formidable presence in the NBA, not only becoming a cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder but also entering the rarified air of MVP conversation. With his performance over the past seasons, the Thunder's faithful have every reason to be optimistic about a bright future. His trajectory suggests he might soon join the NBA's elite ranks on a more permanent basis.
Gilgeous-Alexander's passion for Oklahoma City, both on and off the court, is evident. "I love Oklahoma City. I can't see a world where I'm not in OKC," he said, reflecting his commitment to the team and its community. He further emphasizes that for him, "Market, no market. I don't care. I love where I am." This dedication has undoubtedly resonated with Thunder fans, who see him as integral to the team's resurgence.
A Veteran at 26
While Gilgeous-Alexander might only be 26, he is already regarded as a veteran presence within the Thunder's ranks. His maturity and experience are invaluable assets to a relatively youthful squad, which includes rising stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, aged 22 and 23, respectively. Even so, there are a few on the Thunder lineup, like Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams, both 30, who boast more years of experience on the court. Yet, Gilgeous-Alexander's influence is unmistakable.
As a testament to his skill, Shai started in last year's NBA All-Star Game. Many project him to make the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year, assuming he maintains his health and level of play. Not many players achieve such consistent recognition, and it speaks volumes of his abilities and contributions on the court.
The Future Looks Bright
The future of Gilgeous-Alexander with Oklahoma City is also secure from a contractual standpoint. He has already committed to a five-year extension with the Thunder. Down the line, he has the opportunity to sign a four-year supermax extension, which could begin in the 2027-28 season. This contract extension stands to make him a significant earner, projecting a formidable $81.4 million in its final year through the 2030-31 season.
When asked about his decision to sign such an extensive contract despite the team's struggles, he stated, "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." His belief in the team's potential echoes with, "I believe in this team," a statement that serves as a rallying cry for the Thunder’s ambition.
Turning a Corner
Despite the Thunder's 24-58 record in the 2022 season, Gilgeous-Alexander appears undeterred. His positive outlook is a significant factor in the changing atmosphere around the team. "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," he shared, reflecting a maturity rare among players of his age. This attitude seems infectious, as it aligns with the team’s progressive vision under the guidance of their shrewd general manager, Sam Presti.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to grow and develop alongside his teammates, Oklahoma City may soon be a formidable force to reckon with. With Shai leading the charge, the Thunder are poised to climb the ranks and deliver their fans the success they deserve. The road will require hard work and persistence, but one thing is clear — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is determined to pave the way.