Years from now, when we look back on it, trading Paul George and Russell Westbrook might end up being a fantastic deal for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Obviously, walking away from the franchise’s cornerstone in Westbrook was a difficult thing to do emotionally, but the treasure trove of draft picks the team received in exchange for its superstars softened the blow.
So did the arrival of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Over the course of the season, the young Canadian has slowly but surely become one of the more talked about members of Billy Donovan’s team, and on Tuesday, his teammate and fellow former Kentucky Wildcat Nerlens Noel had an important message for those who salivate at Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential…
The best is yet to come.
“He’s done a great job all season, but what I really noticed from him, from post-Covid, is just his awareness of the game now,” Noel said to reporters.
“Everything’s slowed down and it’s something that I’ve really noticed. Just in the pick-and-roll, he’s looking for his teammates, trying to engage the big man, and understand really how to play the game.”
The fact that Gilgeous-Alexander has had the opportunity to study under Chris Paul has only helped his development. The two have obviously developed a close relationship both on and off the court.
“Maybe that’s a lot of credit to [Chris Paul],” Nerlens said about SGA’s development, “That’s a lot of credit to Shai for being a student of the game, but I think this next stretch of the playoffs is going to be interesting to watch him play and understand his maturity on how he’s grown over this past year.”
The confident Canadian made it known that he brought a three-month supply of clothes with him to Orlando, meaning he’s planning on being there through the NBA Finals.
He was asked about his confidence and also what he thinks it is about him that makes others believe in his potential.
“I think first and foremost, my work ethic. I want to be good, I want to be great,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“But then there’s the time you put into it and not everyone’s willing to do that, but that’s something I’m willing to do, so I think that’s first. And then I think it’s just my obsession with the game.”
In short order, he’ll have the opportunity to show he’s ready to take both his game and his team to the next level.
The Thunder begin exhibition play in Orlando on July 24 before beginning their eight seeding games on Aug. 1.
Obviously, all eyes will be on the young sophomore.