The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged as one of the best teams in the NBA last season, primarily because of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom.
The Canadian international was second in MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top of the Western Conference standings. He averaged 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.0 steals on 53.5 percent shooting in 75 regular season games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff run last season abruptly ended in the second round after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. However, given their strong core of players and the moves they’ve made this summer, the future is bright for them.
This summer, they re-signed Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe to new multiyear deals while trading Alex Caruso (in exchange for Josh Giddey) and signing free agent Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year contract.
Oklahoma City Thunder GM praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as a viable MVP candidate primarily because of his elite scoring and playmaking. However, Sam Presti also credited the former Kentucky guard for his growth on the defensive side of the ball.
“It was two years ago, I got asked, ‘What can he add to the game?’ And I said, ‘He’s gotta be a two-way player. You can’t just have the ball & cook.’ That’s just not a formula to win,” Presti said.
“He’s become a two-way player. I mean the defense, that’s an additive strength for us. I’d think one of the things with him is just reducing the degree of difficulty and make it a little bit easier on him, especially during the regular season, and that comes with experience,” he added.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was seventh in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. He has the tools to become an elite defensive guard because of his unique physical profile, listed at 6’6″ and 195 pounds with a seven-foot wingspan.
