The November edition of GQ has arrived, and subscribers can grab their copy along with a full year of the magazine for just $2 or $1 per month. This issue features a striking jumpsuit from Lu’u Dan and other stylish pieces including a tank top from Uniqlo, accessories from Chrome Hearts, gloves by Undercover, and personal jewelry from the featured individual.
In the early hours of a Thursday morning in September, a sleek black Cadillac Escalade made its way to a nondescript brick building in a suburban Toronto office park, arriving sharply at 6 a.m. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exited the vehicle, sporting an outfit reminiscent of a Hype Williams video—complete with a cropped tactical vest, flowing Balenciaga track pants, and a backwards cap layered over a taut durag, all in deep black. He entered the dimly-lit building and transitioned into a brightly lit gym that boasted three full-size basketball courts and a mural of legendary NBA figures including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant.
As he settled into a chair on the sidelines to change into his workout gear, SGA displayed a relaxed demeanor, surrounded by familiar faces. His skills coach, Nate Mitchell, has been a constant presence every summer since Gilgeous-Alexander was just 16 years old. Friends from his childhood, Maurice Montoya and Mark Castillanes, now assist with on-court drills, while Kayode Fakomi, a recent addition to the training crew, stands ready to challenge him as a six-foot-seven former collegiate player.
Finally geared up in his signature space-age Converse shoes, orange Thunder shorts, white compression tights, and a fitted vintage shirt from the Mohawk Mountaineers, Shai commenced his workout. He started with precise spot shooting from key basketball locations, followed by catch-and-shoot attempts from beyond the arc and driving maneuvers that showcased his exceptional agility and speed. As he executed these complex patterns—akin to a seasoned boxer dancing around the ropes—his movements became almost mesmerizing, signaling the hard work and commitment that he has honed over the years.
NBA podcaster J.E. Skeets lauded Shai’s style of play, noting, “He looks like he’s on a motorbike. It should be herky-jerky, but he’s as smooth as anybody in the league.” This kind of praise highlights the fluidness and effectiveness of Gilgeous-Alexander’s training, a testament to his relentless dedication to the game. Fans and followers can certainly expect to see even more incredible moments from him on the court this upcoming season, reflecting his continuous growth as one of the league’s top talents.