Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has built a reputation for being one of the NBA’s most stylish players. Whether he’s walking into the arena in a custom designer fit or spotted courtside with carefully curated looks, SGA treats fashion the same way he treats basketball with creativity, attention to detail, and flair.
But as he revealed in a recent interview with Nardwuar at Kops Records in Toronto, there’s another side to his fashion game that speaks to his humility and sense of team. According to Shai, before every NBA season, he holds a personal “garage sale” for his teammates.
“A lot of my clothing. I do like a garage sale, like the beginning of the season for the last couple of seasons… SGA’s garage sale, they come and buy clothes. I don’t charge them too much. I keep the prices low.”
It’s an unusual ritual for a player at the peak of his fame. After all, Shai is not just any NBA star, he’s the reigning league MVP, Finals MVP, and fresh off delivering the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first-ever championship.
Yet here he is, making sure his teammates can grab designer pieces from his wardrobe without the heavy price tag that comes with them. For Shai, it seems less about making money and more about sharing what he loves with those closest to him.
SGA’s style has long made him a staple in NBA fashion conversations. GQ has profiled his tunnel fits, Complex routinely ranks him among the league’s best dressed, and even his peers acknowledge his fashion dominance.
Unlike some stars who lean entirely on stylists, Shai puts real effort into crafting looks that mix luxury with streetwear. He’s as comfortable in Rick Owens boots as he is in a vintage band tee, often blending bold patterns and accessories in ways that feel both daring and effortless.
Walking into a Thunder game, it’s not unusual to see Shai making a statement before he even touches the basketball. Oversized blazers, cropped trousers, unique jewelry, or a carefully chosen pair of sneakers, it’s all part of the SGA brand.
His teammates have joked about never knowing what he’ll show up in, but the respect for his style is universal. So when he opens up his closet at the start of the season, it’s no surprise his teammates are eager to shop.
What makes the ritual stand out is the spirit behind it. NBA locker rooms are full of expensive sneakers, limited-edition jackets, and custom fits, but Shai goes out of his way to make his pieces accessible. It’s a small gesture that strengthens bonds with teammates, turning fashion into another form of connection.
Now entering the season as the face of the defending champions, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carries more weight than ever, both on the floor and off it. He is proof that success doesn’t have to change the way you treat those around you.
Whether he’s dazzling fans with his silky drives to the rim or setting up a pop-up garage sale for his teammates, SGA continues to show why he’s not just one of the NBA’s brightest stars, but also one of its most relatable.
