OKC Thunder-Blazers scrimmage media: SGA seeks greatness

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

Gilgeous-Alexander then replaces Bazley while continuing to banter with CP3 and Bazley. If anyone is wondering about if the closeness of this group is real — don’t – they truly are like a band of brothers.

SGA is asked about playing point and getting practice for when Dennis Schroder leaves for the birth of his baby. Shai said it’s not super foreign to him as he’s been a lead guard or point guard his whole life. But, he acknowledged it felt natural and was good practice as they’ll likely be doing more of it moving forward.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

In a follow-up to this question, he was asked how adjustment this season has been for him since he’s had to change playing off-ball more.

‘It wasn’t the easiest thing to do. But I can honestly say it made me better and will make me into the player I want to be.  If you look at all the great teams or the great players in order for them to win they have to be able to play multiple positions and not only stick to one. And that’s the player that I ultimately want to be when I’m done with this game so I’m just blessed for the opportunity.’

In terms of the quietness of the court without fans, Shai noted it exposes the people who don’t talk more than anything.

SGA is also asked to comment on Bazley’s growth and the benches’ contributions and what he attributes it to. The Canadian points to all the players on the team electing to lock in during the hiatus instead of just hanging out. SGA notes everyone on the team has bigger goals.

Regardless of what happens moving forward this team has been so much fun to watch this season and it’s great to see this young core rising to the challenge. The future for the OKC Thunder isn’t just bright — it’s in very good hands.