Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. SGA is coming off of a fantastic rookie season with the LA Clippers last season, in which he surpassed some people’s expectations. He is a pure point guard in every aspect of the game. And being the primary piece in the trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles, OKC believes that he could be the future of this team and that he is something special to build around for the future.
SGA is another one who has taken a step forward already this season. Partly because OKC needs him to be one of the primary creators on a team in the midst of a rebuild. But his play this season is also due in large part to the work he put in this offseason.
SGA is averaging more than twice as many ppg as last season, scoring 22 a game. He is pulling down seven rebounds a game, compared to just three last season. Early on in the season, it seems that SGA has stepped into his new role, attacking the rim and going at defenders. And looks very comfortable doing it.
Shai. Spin. Scoop. @shaiglalex | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/IJ8xrIr2cU
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 27, 2019
Not only is SGA progressing as an offensive threat, but he is also picking up right where he left off last season on the defensive end of the floor. He is averaging one steal a game and almost two blocks a game as a guard. His extremely long arms allow him to get into passing lanes and create transition offense the other way. Playing alongside one of the best guard defenders in NBA history in Chris Paul is going to be a very beneficial experience for SGA as he continues to develop.
While the Thunder are rebuilding, they are going to be counting on SGA to be one of the main pieces of their team on both sides of the ball. SGA is only 21 years old but plays like a veteran. If he can continue to develop the way he has and continues to embrace his larger role in Oklahoma City the way he already has, this could be a very special season for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.