Irrespective of the rumors that Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is “frustrated with the losing” in Oklahoma Town, resources close to the 24-12 months-old notify Sideline Sources’ Wenzell Ortiz that there is “zero” reality to individuals statements.
Burgeoning stories of Gilgeous-Alexander’s exasperation with the lack of emphasis on profitable in Oklahoma Town began circulating when an nameless entrance-workplace member instructed Sam Amick of The Athletic that the Torontonian’s stress is ongoing. These rumors purportedly aligned with TSN’s Josh Lewenberg’s news — which he noted in September — that the Raptors are checking Gilgeous-Alexander’s availability.
Having said that, resources shut to the Canadian native emphasized that there is “zero” verisimilitude to these experiences. In simple fact, Gilgeous-Alexander would like to be part of what they are creating in Oklahoma City. Despite not reaching his basketball key however, he also intends on getting a veteran presence for the franchise for many years to occur.
Also, the supply surmises that groups intrigued in Gilgeous-Alexander designed the factitious story to ignite tension in Oklahoma City.
This report is congruent with what Gilgeous-Alexander had to say prior to the start of the season. In an job interview with The Athletic’s Andrew Schlecht, the former Wildcat explained he understands what comes with signing a 5-year extension. Also, he does not feel the Thunder will shed for considerably lengthier.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Seems to be Like a Long term Superstar
It is no surprise that Gilgeous-Alexander’s trade availability is a salient topic in the NBA. The fifth-12 months guard is at this time seventh on NBA.com’s MVP ladder and possesses the quantities to again it up. He is averaging 31.1 factors for every recreation (fifth in the league), six assists, and 4.6 rebounds. The capturing splits are also all-globe. He will come in at 52.6% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 90.8% from the charity stripe.
For avid analytics enthusiasts, Gilgeous-Alexander is their cup of tea, as very well. He is taking pictures 72.5% at the rim, 51.3% from 10-16 ft, and 52.2% from 16 toes to the 3-issue line. The previous Clipper is also fifth in get shares and VORP he sales opportunities the league in changeover scoring and drives.
On prime of his scintillating offensive prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed into a stalwart defender. He is typically guarding the opposing team’s greatest participant and averaging 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks for each contest. For context, there have only been 38 seasons exactly where a player has averaged that selection of blocks and steals. What’s more, his defensive feats come to be even much more amazing when coupled with his offensive quantities.
Gilgeous-Alexander is on rate to be just the fourth player under 6-foot-8 to regular at minimum 29 points, one particular steal, and a person block over the study course of a time.
The quickly-to-be initially-time All-Star has the Thunder in the thick of matters in the Western Meeting. With a document of 7-10, they are presently 12th in the West and two online games out of the Engage in-In.