Doc Rivers has nothing but good things to say about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
On Monday, the former Clippers guard returns to Los Angeles to face the organization that traded him away.
Make no mistake, the blockbuster deal that sent Paul George to L.A. for Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and a boatload of draft picks, so far seems to be working out for both parties. The Clippers landed both George and Kawhi Leonard (even if the two have yet to share the court) and George has looked dominate after returning from off-season shoulder surgery.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander is the team’s leading scorer and heir-apparent at point guard.
Backcourt of @CP3 (27 PTS) & @shaiglalex (24 PTS) combine for 51 in the @okcthunder OT win vs. Philly! #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/tcHJ2koqp7
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2019
It took a lot to part with George, and Clippers head coach Doc Rivers told media this week he knew what he was giving up in SGA.
“He’s the greatest kid,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said of Gilgeous-Alexander this week. “I don’t know if I’ve had a more favorite young player, like, he’s the best. Just still innocent enough, you know, hopefully that stays.”
That @shaiglalex floater 🦋 pic.twitter.com/r8OziJGpXD
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 16, 2019
According to Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, those sentiments were echoed by Gilgeous-Alexander’s former teammates as well.
“Everybody loved Shai,” former Clipper and current Hawks guard Tyrone Wallace said. “It was one of those things, I think a lot of fans were kind of upset (that he was traded). And all that type of thing, but I get it’s a business, and that’s how it happens.”
Danilo Gallinari, who has also been a solid addition to the Thunder in the trade for Paul George, played with SGA during his rooking season and, per Lee, has seen tremendous growth in year two.
“It’s been amazing to me being able to see him every day since last year getting better game by game,” Gallinari said, “and all the strides that he made this year is pretty amazing.”
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will take on George and the Clippers Monday night. Tip-off is at 9:30 C.T.