OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is so good that he's hilariously making Allen Iverson backtrack on his most storied quote on pre-game preparation.
During an appearance at a recent event for the No Flukes Foundation, a non-for-profit organization that provides support to youths within the basketball community, AI was found pulling a 180 on his legendary rant from his playing days that innately downplayed the importance of practice.
22 years removed from his now-famous tirade, the Hall of Famer is stressing how, be it in life or on the hardwood, honing one's craft behind closed doors and when away from the spotlight is actually the most necessary thing for a person to achieve their goals.
While emphasizing this sentimental and, simultaneously, humorous point, Iverson couldn't help but mention the Thunder cornerstone's greatness as a testimony to his sentiment, saying:
"You have to practice to become whatever you tryna become in life. You think Shai didn't practice? Become the MVP, the best player in the world? You have to practice."
Thunder star's greatness has Allen Iverson now celebrating practice
Though Gilgeous-Alexander obviously came into the association as a highly-touted prospect, as he was the 11 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, along his journey, he's been rather vocal about the important role that work outside of games has played in his ascension into superstardom.
Whether it's from working with shooting coach Chip Engelland to improve his long-range game or being mentored by former stars and all-time talents like Chris Paul, throughout his seven-year career, the Thunder star has only found himself progressively getting better thanks to the work he's put in while the cameras are off.
Without question, 2024-25 proved to be his best year yet as a pro, as he wrapped up the campaign as just the second player in NBA history to average at least 30.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 50.0 shooting from the field in a single season.
Michael Jordan is the only other member of this unbelievably exclusive club.
On top of this, with Oklahoma City's win over the Indiana Pacers to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy, he also became just the fourth player to win league MVP, a scoring title, and be named NBA Finals MVP all in the same year, joining the likes of Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O'Neal.
Now, while his upside and potential may have already been viewed as extremely high upon coming into the league, getting to these history-making heights would have been virtually impossible had Gilgeous-Alexander not put in the time and effort that he has behind the scenes.
Even the once outspoken skeptic in Iverson has now seemingly turned into a believer in the wonders of practice as a result of SGA's ascension.