The Future of the OKC Thunder, an in-depth analysis of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
By Aidan E
With the reformulated OKC Thunder roster fans have a new star in their midst as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is prepared to become the face of the franchise. T.I. offers a deep dive into the young star and why OKC fans should be excited.
It’s been a few weeks since the OKC Thunder traded away superstars Paul George and Russell Westbrook, as well as role player Jerami Grant for a historic amount of draft picks in addition to assets Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari.
Paul and Gallinari, both established players in the league, are each over thirty years old. They don’t align with OKC’s current timeline which is why they will both most likely be available on the trade market.
On the other hand, Gilgeous-Alexander is only 21 years old and gives OKC their best player prospect since drafting James Harden in 2009.
Shai has the potential to rep the Thunder in future all-star games as well as blossom into one of the best young guards in the entire league.
General Manager Sam Presti had this to say about Gilgeous-Alexander at his recent press conference:
"“We’re really excited about him,” Presti said. “I think he’s not really even scratching the surface. I think he’s got tremendous makeup, and that’s a big — I think that’s going to be a big accelerator for ultimately how good a player he becomes, and I think he has that. He’s got great size and great length, and he’s a sponge.”"
Presti isn’t the only general manager who thinks highly of Gilgeous-Alexander, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Clippers previously deemed Gilgeous-Alexander as “untouchable in trade talks.”
With every front office seemingly singing his praises, fans wonder if Gilgeous-Alexander is the real deal or not.
Let me answer that for you, as we get into a breakdown of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and what he brings to the table now, and potentially for the future.