The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a stunning trade for Paul George in 2019, but Lou Williams revealed that the players were heartbroken that the team had to part with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to acquire him.
“We were heartbroken when he got traded. Absolutely, we were crushed,” Williams said on Run It Back. “Even though it was for PG. We knew who PG was, but we had spent so much time and energy just being instrumental in his career and his development. Just making sure he’s getting extra shots. He was so open to information, so open to learning, and wanted to be great. We knew he was going to be one of those players.”
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Lou Williams on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
“We were heartbroken when he got traded. Absolutely, we were crushed. Even though it was for Paul George. We knew who PG was, but he had time and energy into his development.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) October 23, 2023
At the time, Shai was coming off a solid rookie season, where he averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and was viewed as a talented young player.
No one on the outside really saw him ever becoming the player he is today, though, but Williams isn’t surprised by it. It would appear the Clippers players knew he was going to be special, but I don’t think you can blame the organization for making the move.
They had just signed Kawhi Leonard in free agency, and he was not coming to play with young, talented players. They needed to make win-now moves, and most people at the time praised them for pairing Leonard with George.
In hindsight, of course, this was a terrible move. Leonard and George have struggled to stay healthy, and as a result, the Clippers have had little success in the postseason. Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, has kept improving and made the All-NBA First Team last season by averaging 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Doc Rivers Admitted He Had Doubts About Trading Gilgeous-Alexander
One of the men who had a role to play in Shai’s departure was Doc Rivers, who was the head coach for the Clippers at the time. Last year, Rivers admitted he had doubts about trading Gilgeous-Alexander for George.
“One of my favorite guys,” Rivers said. “Reminds me a lot of Tyrese [Maxey] just as far as his approach. He’s one of those young guys in his rookie year that you couldn’t coach enough. That loved being coached, overworked and stood for everything that’s good in the game. I say the same thing about Tyrese. I’ve had several those (type of players) but (Gilgeous-Alexander) stands out. Quiet demeanor but tough, and you knew this was coming. At least I did. I believe that. The day we decided to make that move when I was in L.A., I was not so sure about it — even though what we did was phenomenal, too. I kept thinking this kid’s gonna be special, and I’m really happy that he is because he’s a good kid.”
Rivers’ description of Shai and what Williams said about him really gives you an idea about why he has become such a great player. He wanted to learn whatever he could from the veterans and his coaches and also worked extremely hard. Shai is a great example to follow for other young players.
Steve Nash Says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Can Be The Greatest Canadian Basketball Player Ever
There is no real debate as of now on who is the greatest Canadian basketball player of all time, as Steve Nash is well clear of everyone else. Nash made it to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, won two MVPs, led the league in assists five times, and is regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time.
Nash believes, however, that Gilgeous-Alexander can be better than he was. It is going to take a lot for Shai to surpass Nash, but he is only 25 years old, so has plenty of time on his hands. Also, considering his work ethic and talent, I don’t think it’s outlandish to think he could one day do it.
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