Polish is the Next step for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
By Rylan Stiles
Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander transformed into a genuine Superstar. Posting 31 points, four rebounds, and five assists a night to go along with 2.6 STOCKS (Steals plus blocks) per game. Gilgeous-Alexander was incredibly efficient, shooting a jaw-dropping 51 percent from the floor, 34 percent from beyond the arc, and 90 percent at the charity stripe on 11 attempts a night.
This led Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to not only capture his first NBA All-Star appearance but become a first-team All-NBA guard and finish fifth in MVP voting during the 2022-23 season. Then, in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved last season was no fluke.
As he led Team Canada to their first medal, he out-dueled many NBA stars, including Luka Doncic and Team USA. This led Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to finally earn his respect nationally.
Since then, current and former players have dished on how good Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is. So far, each season, Gilgeous-Alexander has dramatically improved. This is a testament to his offseason work, which OKC Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has shown great respect for.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s next step is to polish his game after an impressive summer to solidify his superstar status.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has climbed the charts this offseason, ranking in the top ten of ESPN’s top 100 players list. His 8th-place ranking represents a 40-spot jump! Gilgeous-Alexander is now ahead of the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Mark Daigneault on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s improvement “as guys get to the prime of their career it’s more nuance. It’s more touching up the edges. He is a guy who has great focus as a professional…he had another great summer.”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 2, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on what he worked on this Summer “I really just tried to get better at everything. Try to be a better basketball player on both ends of the floor. Try to make better decisions on both ends of the floor.” pic.twitter.com/dCLdUD2pYq
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 2, 2023
Now, everyone wonders, what is next for the OKC Thunder superstar? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and bench boss Mark Daigneault were asked what Gilgeous-Alexander would bring to the table after yet another summer of work.
“Touching up the edges” is what Daigneault highlighted, while Gilgeous-Alexander exclaimed he is trying to get better at “everything.”
There is no glaring hole in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game; while some want him to expand his range and shooting prowess beyond the arc, Gilgeous-Alexander has shown great growth on both ends of the floor.
Polishing his game this season could catapult Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into the top five of NBA players after cracking the top ten this offseason. While there might not be a dramatic pop to his box score, Gilgeous-Alexander will look totally different on the court with the improved talent around him this season.
Next. ESPN Insider gives massive praise to OKC Thunder core. dark