Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history. In a chat with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show,” the Thunder superstar spoke on recent success and gave some insight into how it feels to suddenly become one of the biggest names in the game.
“When you’re in the moment and you’re competing and you’re playing, you don’t realize what you’re doing until [someone tells you],” said Shai. “It’s crazy and it’s an amazing feeling, but it goes to show that if you work hard and keep your head down, and take it one step at a time, you can get anywhere you want to go.”
Shai wasn’t always the elite shooting guard we know him as today. Back in grade school, he had to face constant rejection as coaches and peers underestimated his abilities. When his professional career finally began in 2018, he was just a role player who played a minimal role on the Clippers. His rating was initially just 73 overall, which is wild given that he’s currently tied with Nikola Jokic at 98 overall in 2K26.
“I was just happy to be in the game,” said Shai, reflecting on his early 2K ratings. “But as the years went on and I was gonna be in the game every year, my ratings started to feel a little disrespectful. I’m good now, though. “
Shai was drafted 11th overall in 2018, and while his talent was clear from the start, many experts and fans underestimated his potential. It wasn’t until his move away from the Clippers in the summer of 2019 that he elevated his game to a whole new level.
In arguably one of the most important trades in recent basketball history, Shai was traded to the Thunder in a massive package for Paul George that also involved Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two future pick swaps. To this day, the Clippers have yet to win a title, while the Thunder are coming off their greatest season ever.
Led by Shai, Oklahoma City went 68-14 (first in the West) with a +12.9 point differential. They dominated the postseason, winning series against the Grizzlies, Nuggets, and Timberwolves before defeating the Pacers in the Finals.
Shai was the star of the show all season long, with averages of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on 51.9% shooting. He became the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, the scoring title, and the championship in a single season, joining Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Nobody saw Shai’s ascension coming, and his 2K journey is proof of that. LeBron James was a 78 overall during his rookie campaign, while Victor Wembanyama was rated at 84. Shai was not afforded nearly the same respect with his measly 73 rookie rating.
To move up 25 points says a lot about his growth as a player and leader, and it’s impressive that he hasn’t let the success get to his head. Even now, as the NBA’s reigning MVP and champion, Shai remains humble and grateful for his basketball journey.
Going into next season, there’s no reason not to expect more greatness from the 27-year-old guard. He’s on the Hall of Fame track right now, and another championship would elevate his legacy even further.
