The Oklahoma City Thunder are up north, getting set to take on the Toronto Raptors in one of the most exciting games of the OKC Thunder season. Currently, the Thunder control a spot in the NBA postseason play-in tournament and sit a game away from a .500 record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is returning to his hometown for the first time as an NBA All-Star in the midst of chasing All-NBA honors this season, and he earned some high praise from Steve Nash before tonight’s tip-off.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bringing his 34-35 Thunder into Toronto, the excitement has sparked fantastic coverage of the star Canadian returning home. However, legendary Raptors media member Michael Granger posed the question, could SGA surpass Steve Nash as the best Canadian basketball player ever?
NBA Legend and best Canadian basketball player Steve Nash gives Oklahoma City Thunder star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praise ahead of tonight’s Thunder game against the Raptors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be a lock to make an All-NBA team, and when he secures a single vote, he will be just the second Canadian to do so behind Nash. Granger writes that the OKC Thunder star is putting together a campaign that rivals Nash’s MVP.
Steve Nash was gracious also, saying, “Yes, he can! LOVE Shai’s game,” in response to the article about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander possibly matching or surpassing Nash’s career.
Yes he can! LOVE Shai’s game https://t.co/rOEFYoMeWw
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) March 16, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31 points, nearly five rebounds, five assists, nearly two steals, and a block per game. In addition, SGA is shooting an eye-popping 50 percent from the floor, 34 percent from deep, and 90 percent at the free throw line on ten attempts per game.
This game will mean a lot to the max contract guard, but this season continues to have reminders for Thunder fans not to take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for granted.
While Oklahoma City has been spoiled with talent since relocating in 2008, these types of stars are not promised to a franchise despite it feeling that way given their run of success.