Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on track to return post NBA All-Star Break

The Oklahoma City Thunder have missed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander since he was sidelined with an ankle injury that has kept him out since January 29th after seeing him play 43 games so far this season. That is an eight-game improvement on last year when plantar factitious ended his season early. Mark Daigneault and the Thunder organization made it clear from the start, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be re-evaluated at the NBA All-Star Break.

When the OKC Thunder bench boss was asked about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rehab, Mark Daigneault said the max contract point guard is “on track” as the team headed into the NBA All-Star Break. With the team being off until Thursday when they play host to the Chris Paul-less Suns, it was unclear when the re-evaluation would occur.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might return soon following ankle injury according to his social media post

Then, on Sunday afternoon, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took to Instagram to post a few pictures of him warming up at the Mecca of Basketball, Madison Square Garden, with the caption simply put “soon.”

This sent Oklahoma City Thunder fans and media into a spurt of pure bliss that their All-Star caliber point guard would soon return to the floor to help out their star rookie that currently boasts a three-game triple-double streak, notching his fourth total the final game before the week-long break.

While this is not a confirmation by any means of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s return to the team on Thursday, pairing this social media post with Mark Daigneault’s “on track” comment to the media, there is a reason for optimism.

Another key piece of the social media post, for us absolute nerds, was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wearing a headband in the photos he elected to post. When fans pointed out this could also mean the return of “headband Shai” Gilgeous-Alexander just simply paired eye emojis with the comment.

Soon, the team will return to the practice floor and we will once again hear from the Oklahoma City Thunder head coach. When we hear something concrete Thunderous Intentions will update you, but until then let’s enjoy reading between the lines.