Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder's Guiding Star
At just 26 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands as a beacon of hope and leadership for the Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise navigating its path back to prominence in the ever-competitive NBA landscape. Serving as a veteran presence on the youthful Thunder squad, Shai is rapidly carving out a legacy that could see his name etched alongside the greats.
A Star in the Making
Gilgeous-Alexander is already a key player in the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) conversation, a testament to his skills on the court and growing influence among his peers. Having started in the NBA All-Star Game last year, he’s further demonstrated his place among the league's elite. His performance is so consistently high that projections indicate he might secure a spot on the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year, given his health and continued excellence.
A Commitment to the Thunder
Shai's future with the Oklahoma City Thunder seems secure, as he recently signed a five-year extension. But his commitment goes beyond contracts and paychecks. "I love Oklahoma City. I can't see a world where I'm not in OKC," he declared, underscoring his affinity for the franchise and the city. "Market, no market. I don't care. I love where I am."
Despite the Thunder’s challenging 24-58 record in the 2022 season, Shai remains optimistic about the team’s future. "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 expressed, exuding confidence in the franchise's trajectory and his role in steering it towards success. His belief is unwavering: "I believe in this team."
The Path Forward
The Thunder's roster is a mix of burgeoning talent, with Shai surrounded by young talents like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, aged 22 and 23 respectively. This youthful exuberance combined with Shai's veteran leadership provides a promising foundation for Oklahoma City. Sam Presti, the Thunder’s general manager, has shown a commitment to building a team that can realistically challenge the upper echelons of the league.
"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," Gilgeous-Alexander said, emphasizing his passion and satisfaction with his current situation.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Shai is on the brink of a potentially lucrative deal. He is eligible to sign a four-year supermax extension starting at 35% of the 2027-28 salary cap. This deal, if realized, could stretch through the 2030-31 season, projecting an eye-popping $81.4 million in the final year. This potential extension stands as a recognition of his invaluable contribution and future role as the cornerstone of the Thunder's aspirations.
Surrounded by teammates like Alex Caruso and Kenrich Williams, both aged 30 and possessing more years on the court, Shai finds himself not only as part of a rebuilding effort but as a key component of a dynamic infusion of youth and experience aimed at rebuilding a once-great franchise.
As the Thunder look to reshape their narrative in the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands ready to lead the charge. With his talents, commitment, and vision perfectly aligned with the organization's goals, the next chapter for Oklahoma City seems brighter than ever before.