With fans back in the stands things are close to returning to a semblance of normalcy in the association. However, this year will be anything but typical or normal for the OKC Thunder. For the first time in the franchise’s 14-year history, the team will actively endeavor to record back-to-back losing seasons.
That isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement to draw fans to the newly named Paycom Center or add Bally Sports Oklahoma to your favorites channel. For Thunder Nation, it’s a bit of a catch 22 because the more the team loses the better their chances of winning the top draft pick is. Yet, it goes against the grain, especially for a franchise with such a rich history of winning.
Considering Sam Presti has 35 potential picks to convey in the next six seasons OKC Thunder fans understand and there are other aspects to get excited about. Instead of focusing on team victories, we’ll need to shift our attention to reveling in development and focus on individual successes to keep our appetites satiated.
At the forefront of this focus will be OKC Thunder captain and cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who many experts believe will be in the mix for Most Improved Player. The Canadian appeared in only 35 games last season shutting down near mid-season with a significant tear in his plantar fascia.’
OKC Thunder Gilgeous-Alexander – channels Steve Nash in more ways than one
Entering his fourth season and third in OKC, the point guard has looked sharp in offseason film as he prepares to return to the hardwood. He’s also been active off the court pursuing his other passion – – fashion. To that end, he was in New York for Fashion Week which was much of the focus of the GQ feature article by Tyler R. Tynes.
Although Gilgeous-Alexander has a strong sense of personal style. it was one specific line in the GQ that caused a stir – – “I’m the Black Steve Nash.”
To put it in context, earlier in the article SGA spoke of his desire to be one of the best point guards ever and specifically cited Nash as a player he admires.
"“I want to be one of the best point guards to ever play,” he told Tynes. “I’m not playing this game just to be a good basketball player. I want to be one of the greatest to ever play.” … One of the players he really looks up to, he says, is the decidedly unfussy Steve Nash. Just like many of his style choices, his perception of the world around him is vintage. Aged. Slow. Similar to his game on the court. Methodical even. It’s like the old adage: I shouldn’t have to tell you that fire is hot."
Although the immediate presumption on social media seemed to be a too literal comparison. Dive a little deeper and SGA wanting to emulate the former two-time MVP could have something to do with his work ethic.