OKC Thunder game leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could have established himself as one of the most prolific young players in the NBA. However, aside from his on-field exploits, he consistently demonstrates true fashion sense through his array of daring outfits.
SGA, who says his tantrums are more than a hobby but a way to show off his personality, sat down for a revealing interview with Dazed, published on Saturday.
In addition to talking about the young OKC Thunder’s growth in recent months, the 25-year-old also revealed his outlook on fashion and how his interest was developed at a young age thanks to his parents.
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“My parents always made sure we looked stylish when leaving the house,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “They made sure we cleaned our ears, always checked our eyes, always made sure our shoelaces were tied. They always made sure that if we had a collared shirt on, it wasn’t turned inside out. I think that has a lot to do with it.
Growing up in Toronto, Gilgeous-Alexander always viewed fashion as a way to express himself. He claimed that in addition to his basketball prowess, he also wanted to communicate his ideas beyond sports:
“I always thought I was fly – and style, being in the NBA, is kind of like my outlet, my platform. It gives me a platform to show the world who I am, artistically and my personality, I can show my ideas beyond basketball.
Became a true fashion icon thanks to his involvement in SKIMS brand owned by Kim KardashianShai Gilgeous-Alexander also paid his OKC teammates a compliment:
“Everyone on my team can dress up.”
It seems that for SGA, fashion is much more than just clothing, as he uses it to showcase his entire personality.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thanks Allen Iverson for his contribution to NBA fashion
With the kind of fanfare and popularity that surrounds NBA superstars, their appearance in specific outfits has always had a huge effect on their fans. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander referenced the former NBA MVP’s contributions Allen Iverson regarding the league as a whole, saying players like him allow current stars to have fun with their outfits:
“The two worlds [fashion and basketball] I definitely collided and I think it had a lot to do with the guys who came before, it allowed us to have fun with it.
Born and raised in Toronto, SGA had positive things to say about the basketball culture in New York:
“New York has a basketball culture, and you can feel it as soon as you walk into the arena, like the fans are very engaged. They ooh and aah all night long.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also talked about the players he watched growing up. Notable mentions included Chris Bosh and José Calderon:
“I grew up watching [Toronto Raptors stars] Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon. The ripple effect is why Toronto basketball is huge. The Raptors came to Toronto and then Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph were drafted. So Toronto basketball has a culture.
Of course, appreciation aside, fans will be more concerned about how this translates to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s future with the OKC Thunder. They appear to have no reason to worry, as the Thunder are deservedly second in the Western Conference with an imposing 41-18 record.
Their young stars are only getting better with time, meaning a possible title challenge could be around the corner.
