Chris Paul acknowledges that many may question whether he truly recognized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP potential during their brief time together on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019-20 season. Despite a significant age gap of over 13 years, Paul and the current Thunder star formed a close bond, trading shooting contests after practice and analyzing game film together on road trips.
Reflecting on their time together, Paul mentioned, “I just knew how into the game he was and how much he worked at it,” highlighting Gilgeous-Alexander’s work ethic that has culminated in his rise to elite status in the NBA with the Thunder now preparing for an NBA Finals matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s path to stardom has been unconventional. As the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, he faced challenges, including being traded after his rookie season and his teams missing the playoffs for multiple years. However, teammates like Lu Dort and Cason Wallace attest to his consistent dedication, noting, “Just the way he worked on himself and his game” and his routine that exemplifies a true professional athlete.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual brilliance is underscored by his impressive statistics: averaging over 30 points per game in recent seasons, boasting shooting percentages above 50%, and offering solid defensive contributions. His ability to elevate both his personal performance and that of his team has propelled the Thunder from a bottom-tier squad to a top contender in just a few years.
The foundation of Gilgeous-Alexander’s success lies in his competitive spirit and leadership. Teammates describe him as a fierce competitor, and his ability to connect with others off the court fosters a positive team environment. Dort noted, “He makes coming into the building a lot easier on days you don’t want to be here,” thanks in part to his engaging personality and passion for music and fashion.
Paul, who has witnessed countless players throughout his career, points out that what makes Gilgeous-Alexander unique is his combination of versatility and a strong work ethic. His game is characterized by smooth footwork and a lethal ability to attack defenses, which ultimately leads to frequent trips to the free-throw line due to his relentless approach.
With the possibility of being heralded as the face of the NBA, Paul emphasizes the importance of appreciating Gilgeous-Alexander’s talents in the moment rather than drawing comparisons. He remarked, “The league is so deep now with all these different guys with different personalities. So instead of everybody trying to figure out who that is, just celebrate what’s in front of you.”
As the Thunder prepare to face the Pacers, Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey and burgeoning leadership represent the hopeful narrative of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in the realm of professional sports. His unique approach and contributions not only foster a winning culture within the team but inspire younger athletes who may look to follow in his footsteps.