Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder star, is making headlines as he leads the NBA in drives per game, averaging 23.7. This total is the fourth-highest total since we started tracking this in the 2013-14 season. His incredible performance impacts his finishing, with only the incredible Victor Wembanyama performing better at the rim. Then there’s the defensive floor general aspect, where he leads the entire league with a staggering 2.1 steals per game. Just a couple of games into the season, Gilgeous-Alexander is already shattering those expectations. In doing so, he’s definitely making himself a top candidate for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
The young athlete has had a remarkable debut season. He scored at least 30 points in an astonishing 34 games, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the most 30-point games in a single NBA season. Going more in-depth, Kyrie’s scoring average of 30.4 points per game is third in the league. Even with these honors, he currently runs only 2.5 miles per game, which ranks him second on his own team. He still manages to do that at the second slowest average speed. This remarkable blend of quickness and effectiveness has had media and fans buzzing.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency has been a sight to see, even for his coach Mark Daigneault, who is continually amazed by the guard’s dedication to getting better each day. That’s not what’s remarkable, though. That’s what makes it exceptional,” Daigneault stated. The artist savagely chases greatness via the disciplined process of doggedly striving for personal bests. Since coming back from a four-month break in 2020 due to COVID-19, he’s implemented this practice.
Beyond skill, the foundation of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s work ethic can be found in his upbringing. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, is a former sprinter, competing in the 400 meters at the 1992 Summer Olympics. From a young age, she made sure to teach her son the virtues of humility and diligence. She emphasized the importance of confidence without arrogance, stating, “I raise confident people. I don’t raise cocky people or loud people.” This mentality is what’s made Gilgeous-Alexander the player he is today—someone who understands his value while staying humble.
Shai’s rise to prominence was not guaranteed. Unlike other athletes who are often hailed as prodigies from early on, Shai’s road was full of adversity. In an industry full of measuring sticks, LeBron James is his gold standard. He never was a starter until halfway through his first year in college. Oh, he waited until his rookie year in the NBA to earn that role. Rather than allow these setbacks to defeat him, he channeled that disappointment into energy and inspiration to outclass the competition.
When talking about his hopes, Gilgeous-Alexander gives away the fact that he’s deeper to this game than just his aspirations. “I’ve made it this far. I’ve worked this hard. And I can only do it for 10 more years, if I’m lucky,” he said. He’s intent on doing the most with that potential over the next ten years. He’s willing to lay it all on the line in search of greatness.
In a moment of reflection on his basketball journey, he shared, “It’s like I’m addicted to the feeling of getting better.” This mentality has rubbed off on those around him, most notably fellow Clutch City icon Chris Paul, who’s called him a “basketball junkie.” Gilgeous-Alexander’s commitment doesn’t stop with the physical workouts—he invests himself into the game and truly learns its intricacies and nuances.
He remembers being young and hanging out with friends in an era when appearance and style ruled the land. “Growing up we’d always try to dress and look the part,” he reminisced, adding that his family emphasized looking sharp and well-groomed before stepping out. “You step out of the house, you look the part. You’re representing the family,” he explained.
Shai’s metamorphosis was most apparent when the Thunder regrouped at the bubble in Orlando, Florida. To the shock of his teammates, who were surprised by his physical maturity after their time away from each other. This transformation, both physically and mentally, is indicative of not only his commitment to self-improvement but how highly he values his craft.
During that stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to demonstrate that he can seize and dominate defining stretches of games. In a stunning blowout victory over the Phoenix Suns, he helped ignite an exciting 18-5 run. That momentum carried the Thunder to a 118-110 win. His ability to dictate play during critical phases of games is reminiscent of great players who have come before him.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dominate this season with statistical achievements that place him among the elite in the league, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: winning an MVP award. He ponders what it means to be great and finds guidance from those that have come before, the sport’s legends. “LeBron [James] is LeBron because for 20 some odd years he’s controlled games,” he noted.
This unique mix of skill, determination, and humility is what makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander different from most of his fellow NBA stars. To him, achieving MVP status would be the culmination of that primary goal he’s envisioned since age six. Nevertheless, he is committed to improving each facet of his game.
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