BRAKING NEWS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went from cut from his 9th grade basketball team to 4-star Kentucky commit. Now, he’s an NBA MVP and just led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first Finals in 13 years……..view more
BREAKING NEWS: From High School Cut to NBA MVP – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Remarkable Journey
In a story that epitomizes perseverance and dedication, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed from being cut from his 9th-grade basketball team to becoming the NBA Most Valuable Player and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first Finals appearance in 13 years.
A Humble Beginning
Born in Toronto, Canada, Gilgeous-Alexander’s basketball journey began with setbacks. He was cut from his high school basketball team in 9th grade, a moment that could have deterred many young athletes. Instead, it fueled his determination to improve and prove himself. Undeterred, he honed his skills and eventually earned a spot on the varsity team.
Rise Through the Ranks
Gilgeous-Alexander’s talent caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to play for the University of Kentucky. After a standout freshman season, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. In 2019, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he quickly became the cornerstone of the franchise.(en.wikipedia.org)
2025 NBA MVP Season
The 2024-25 NBA season marked a pinnacle in Gilgeous-Alexander’s career. He led the league in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, earning him the NBA Most Valuable Player award. His performance was instrumental in the Thunder achieving a franchise-record 68 wins and securing the top seed in the Western Conference. In the Western Conference Finals, he was named MVP after averaging 30.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, leading the Thunder to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. (en.wikipedia.org, as.com)
The Road to the Finals
The Thunder’s path to the Finals was marked by dominant performances and team cohesion. In the Western Conference Finals, they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Throughout the playoffs, Oklahoma City showcased a balanced attack, with contributions from rising stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, and veteran leadership from players such as Alex Caruso. (sbnation.com)
Looking Ahead
As the Thunder prepare for the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, all eyes are on Gilgeous-Alexander to continue his stellar play. His journey from being cut from his 9th-grade team to becoming an NBA MVP and leading his team to the Finals serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and hard work.
The upcoming Finals series is set to be a thrilling matchup, with Gilgeous-Alexander facing off against fellow All-Star Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers. Both players have been instrumental in their teams’ success this season, and their head-to-head battle is anticipated to be a highlight of the series.
For fans and analysts alike, this Finals appearance marks a significant milestone in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s history and a defining moment in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable career.
Post Comment