Like Aang in “Avatar: The Final Airbender,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to stardom extends a wealthy lineage of basketball supernovas who’ve referred to as the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder their house for the previous twenty years.
Earlier than the Thunder’s 2024-25 season opener, Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned the privilege of carrying the bat that future Corridor of Famers Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook grabbed throughout their time in OKC.
The 26-year-old is coming off back-to-back top-five MVP seasons, together with a runner-up end final season. Gilgeous-Alexanders enters this season because the MVP favourite. This prestigious award can be the icing on the cake of his unbelievable rise from a lottery choice to an NBA face.
“Do not knock anybody who’s not a star participant, however rising up, you have a look at Kobe Bryant, cornerstone of the Lakers franchise; you have a look at LeBron James, cornerstone of the Cleveland franchise; you have a look at Allen Iverson, cornerstone of the Philly franchise,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. . “These are the fellows that come into your face if you watch a basketball sport. The fellows that you just attempt to emulate and encourage to play the sport. Not directly, (Sam Presti) gave me that chance to be that man.
Because the Thunder benefit from the early phases of a championship window, Gilgeous-Alexander will solely add to his already storied resume. Given OKC’s observe report and wealthy pockets stuffed with commerce property, the final word crown jewel of an NBA championship could be nearer to his grasp than earlier Thunder legends.
Invoking the names of James, Bryant and Iverson is kind of an inventory of gamers to single out. All three are basketball manufacturers themselves. Gilgeous-Alexander believes he can solidify his place amongst NBA gods. He is had a gradual and distinctive rise to develop into one of many league’s elite, however there is not any doubt he is earned his membership on this league.
āIām making an attempt to take full benefit of this chance,ā Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned.
This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander understands the privilege of being the Thunder’s famous person
