The NBA season is officially over, but that doesn't mean Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sitting idly by waiting for the 2026-27 campaign to come around. This summer, the OKC Thunder superstar finds himself leading the charge for Team Canada in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying rounds.
Though he may only be taking part in mere exhibitions rather than actual tournament play this offseason, SGA is still looking to make the most of his time on the hardwood by honing his skills, particularly when he's playing without the rock.
According to Canada coach Gordie Herbert, Shai has been actively working to master the off-ball aspect of his game, which, according to the headman, could make him even "tougher to guard."
Thunder fans should be overjoyed that their arguable GOAT is looking to add yet another attribute to his deep bag of tricks. The rest of the league, however, could be sent into a state of full panic as a result.
Thunder superstar trying to get even better ahead of 2026-27
We're talking about a player who's already one of the greatest scoring talents in league history, boasting averages of 31.3 points on 52.9 percent shooting from the floor and 36.8 percent shooting from deep over the last four years, and a two-time NBA MVP trying to get even better.
If nothing else, this goal of SGA's suggests that the all-time legend still feels he has more room to grow and improve, which, frankly, should absolutely terrify the NBA.
For the Thunder, of course, it should be welcomed with open arms. After all, the club's struggles when trying to get things rolling without the ball in Gilgeous-Alexander's hands proved to be a major factor in their downfall against the Spurs during the Western Conference Finals.
Throughout the playoffs, SGA ranked first in isolation field goal attempts and points per game.
While this approach certainly helped lead them to great successes at first, with two straight series sweeps coming right off the bat, once they squared off against San Antonio, an elite defensive unit with a towering 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama ready to halt the Thunder star's drives, it became obvious that a different game plan was necessary to get Shai and the rest of the group going.
Unfortunately for them, they didn't have one.
Adding an off-ball element should only improve the 27-year-old's on-court efficiency, while simultaneously adding yet another layer of complexity that comes with trying to contain the reigning MVP.
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