Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ready to be the face of OKC Thunder?
By Rylan Stiles
After the OKC Thunder traded Paul George to the Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the biggest question he faces is he ready to be the face of the franchise?
Since arriving in Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has done literally everything right. From branding himself the Fresh Prince of OKC since he touched down in the city to replace the only point guard the OKC Thunder fanbase has ever loved in Russell Westbrook.
The one question around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is wondering if he is ready to take on being the face of an organization. Will we find out if he has the talent to lead a franchise this season? Probably not.
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While his rookie season was sensational despite not having the flashy plays and eye-popping numbers of a Trae Young or reigning Rookie of the Year winner Luka Doncic he did pass the eye test on a playoff Clippers team that pushed the Warriors in round one.
Anytime you force a coach like Doc Rivers to play you 82 games with over 70 starts, and over 26 minutes a game you are doing something right. The only coach that has a harder rotation to crack for a young point guard is Rick Carlisle. While he was the most under the radar rookie, he did show flashes of being able to be “The Guy” for a franchise.
Shai Gilgesou-Alexander has done everything right since being dealt to the OKC Thunder earlier this offseason. No quote more powerful than this one from his Media Day availability.
SGA: “Just trying to connect with the fans and the city. Obviously I plan to be here awhile. I plan to make it my home.” OUR PRINCE.
— Thunderous Intentions (@thunderousint) September 30, 2019
Quotes like this are commonplace for the second-year guard who knows exactly what strings to pull to get the OKC Thunder fanbase right in their feels.
A year ago SGA posted over 10 points per game with 3 assists to boot while playing against teams with two other ball handlers.
Those numbers should jump up this season as the 21-year old continues to grow and mature on the floor. Off the floor, however, he is a media pro in terms of maturity.
His joyful vibe, and wanting to be apart of this community goes a long way. If the success on the floor matches it, as a lot of people expect it to, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have the keys to the franchise, and the city, for a long time.
Next. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander steals OKC Thunder fans hearts and the Media Day show. dark
Are you ready to embrace the Toronto Native as the face of the Thunder? Let us know in the comment section.