That said, the Oklahoma City Thunder sure seems to be setting itself up for a bright future, — mixtape— intent on growing its young stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is at the head of that spear. He’s joined Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren as one of the franchise’s true foundational pieces. Following a breakout 2022-2023 season, Gilgeous-Alexander was selected to his first All-Star game in addition to a first-team All-NBA selection. His all-star season earned him a second place finish in the MVP voting, cementing him as a cornerstone of the team for the future.
The long-term investment in Gilgeous-Alexander took root once he landed in Oklahoma City. He was included in the trade that sent Paul George to the NBA Clippers. After an even more impressive second-year All-Rookie campaign, he ranked among the most-watched young players on the rise. Today, he’s become a bona fide leader, encouraging his teammates on and off the court. His personal development has flourished in a cutthroat atmosphere that he has been instrumental in creating, emphasizing not just his progress but his enormous upside.
The importance of the Thunder’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team is clear in their roster decisions. Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent accolades highlight his impact. He not only led the team to become the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history but set the stage for future success. Smokey’s contract includes a supermax escalator. That needs to change with a third All-NBA selection on the horizon, underlining how much he means to the franchise.
In reflecting on his accomplishments and aspirations, Gilgeous-Alexander maintains a clear focus on the ultimate goal: winning championships.
“Really and truly, all that stuff is cool, but if you don’t win [the championship], it doesn’t matter,” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
All that success would go to anyone’s head, despite his individual accolades, Coach Prime preaches teamwork and discipline. In the piece, he recognizes the need to focus on basics to build a foundation for sustained success in the long run.
“The things we want are so complicated and so hard to get. When you just focus on the simple things and the little things, you’ll look up and be there one day,” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership style, like his on-court game, is methodical, the day-to-day grist of a routine that reinforces that ambition. He provides a good professional influence on the group. By example, he demonstrates that, with diligence and determination, anything is possible. This ethos resonates throughout the organization, with General Manager Sam Presti noting the collective effort required to achieve their goals.
“Whatever we want, we’ve had to make happen,” – Sam Presti
Presti points to an attitude of constructing something as opposed to protecting something already achieved. This strategic and ambitious mindset is equally key as the Thunder continue to find their way towards future championship runs.
“This approach fits us best because in Oklahoma, we are builders. We are not guardians. We’re not guarding or defending the past,” – Sam Presti
Although Gilgeous-Alexander is setting an example for many to follow, he’s keeping his feet on the ground as he chases greatness. He doesn’t just want to win one championship then go home—that’s not his goal at all, he wants to be a consistent champion.
“I don’t want to win just one. I don’t want to be known as a winner. So it takes multiple times,” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
His commitment to progress and desire for sustained success personify the Thunder at large. And the franchise has committed close to $800 million in max or supermax extensions on those players. This change is a powerful demonstration of their commitment to achieving lasting success in the long game.
That competitive edge is a mindset that Gilgeous-Alexander exemplifies. It truly is the DNA of this squad. He recognizes that making winning the top priority is important, particularly after achieving some early wins.
“Honestly, at the end of the day, it’s just going to come down to how bad we want to prioritize winning after we’ve won,” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Throughout his time with the Thunder, he has displayed remarkable growth and resilience, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike. Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault doesn’t blame any teammates for being drawn into Gilgeous-Alexander’s orbit.
“Our team collectively has done an unbelievable job of bringing it to life, but he’s got the kind of gravity that the minute he’s not committed to one of those things, it doesn’t have the same upside,” – Mark Daigneault
With every passing Gilgeous-Alexander season, he provides further evidence of his player leadership currency. His ambitions certainly align with the organization’s goals. Collectively, they hope to establish a new, winning culture of sustainability in Oklahoma City.
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