The Making Of A Star: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Work Behind The Scenes Continues To Pay Off

“None of that stuff matters without your team. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. I think to get stuff done individually and as a team, it takes a whole group,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following his recent breakout season.

It was a campaign in which Gilgeous-Alexander made his first NBA All-Star game, led his team to 40 wins and will likely land All-NBA honors. The 24-year-old averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 51% from the floor and 90.5% from the free throw line.

To him, it’s easier to play at a high level when surrounded by great people and players. That was exactly the case this season, as the young Oklahoma City Thunder was the surprise team of the league.

With that in mind, Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates entered the season ready to take on whatever was about to come their way. There wasn’t any real expectations, as this season was all about development and taking another step in the right direction.

“At the beginning of the season I don’t think we set a for sure marker or a goal,” said Gilgeous-Alexander at the end of the season. “We tried not to listen to people’s expectations and not to set our own. Take it day-by-day and enjoy the process, and get to get the most out of the process.”

Either way, it was an incredibly successful season for Oklahoma City, making the postseason and getting within one win of making the playoffs. While it was a team effort to get that far, there’s no question that Gilgeous-Alexander was the primary catalyst of the Thunder’s ascension. His year-over-year jump in production catapulted him into the MVP conversation as he was arguably the best guard in the NBA this season.

What’s most impressive about Gilgeous-Alexander as a player is his ability to improve at such a rapid rate. During every offseason, he’s focused on becoming the best player he can be, which results in massive jumps in productivity each season. To those who see him put in the work behind the scenes, the development isn’t surprising.

“I’ve seen it coming honestly, just from the work he was putting in the offseason,” said teammate Lu Dort of Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascension.

As it relates to getting better, it’s sometimes about working smart while also working hard. Gilgeous-Alexander is one of those rare athletes that is willing to do whatever it takes to make that next jump. He’s extremely self-aware on what he needs to improve upon and focuses on those things, making the most of every minute he can.

“The dude is a maniac,” said Aaron Wiggins at the close of the season. “His attention to detail and focus during the offseason is something that separates him from a lot of other guys. I’m not surprised [he made another jump]. He deserves everything.”

While emerging as a top five scorer in the NBA is impressive, what’s perhaps the most promising about Gilgeous-Alexander’s season was the defensive side of the ball. He really showcased the ability to lock down on the perimeter and make plays on that end, especially late in games. He finished sixth in total steals (112) and second in total blocks (65) among guards last season. A well-rounded game is key for any player that wants to break into superstar territory, and Gilgeous-Alexander is well on his way.

“He’s gotta be a two-way player to be great. And he made strides there this year, said Thunder GM Sam Presti this week. “If he becomes a great defender, that’s a problem.”

Again, Gilgeous-Alexander has the desire to be great, so expect to see more of this from him moving forward. The defensive intensity he has is contagious as well, making his teammates better on that end of the floor as well.

“Defensively he took one of the biggest steps I’ve seen a player take on that side of the ball,” Kenrich Williams said in exit interviews. “The way he is able to be himself, it affects the other guys.”

Gilgeous-Alexander understands the big picture when it comes to building a championship team and what it takes to play at that level. He is the perfect piece to have at the helm and has the hunger to be the best. To him, the only end goal you can possibly have is winning a championship. In order to even have a roster capable of winning it all, it goes beyond what happens on the court.

The leader of this Thunder team, Gilgeous-Alexander spent time at the end of the season talking about what needs to happen for OKC to continue progressing. While he discussed working hard over the summer and during the season, he also referred to building relationships. Whether it’s team dinners or just doing things together off the court, that’s equally as important as a future contending team is put together.

Both personally and as the leader of the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander is willing to do whatever it takes to win the ultimate prize, a championship.