NBA All-Star: Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Maintains Poise Amidst Rising External Expectations

Although the Oklahoma City Thunder has earned more respect around the league and could accomplish great things in the future, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is staying present and in the moment.

With a 37-17 record thus far in the 2023-24 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder has taken another significant leap toward contention this season. As such, external expectations for this team are now extremely high given the high likelihood that Oklahoma City will host a first-round playoff series. Furthermore, the hype surrounding the Thunder has increased, resulting in more noise and distractions. 

Luckily for the Thunder, Shai GIlgeous-Alexander is at the helm and sets the tone for the team on and off the court. His ability to stay in the moment and maintain poise is crucial for one of the youngest teams in the league, especially since his actions and emotions rub off on the rest of the roster. 

“For me, it's not any more difficult," said Gilgeous-Alexander during NBA All-Star Weekend when asked about the adjustment to being a team with higher expectations. "I think I've learned through experience — and obviously as a young kid it's easy to get caught up in it, just going back to high school and rankings and things like that. I've just found so much success from, not blocking it out, but not letting it faze me or control me. I think I've just learned through that experience and figure out what works for me and then try to run with it. To this point, it's not any harder, because I've grown through it being hard, I think, in the past.”

As good as the Thunder is at this point, this is only the beginning. Given how young the core of the group is and how much draft capital the front office has to work with, this team will only get better over the next half-decade or more. Knowing that OKC is set up for future success, Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on the current moment and taking care of what is immediately in front of him.

“I honestly try to stay very present, try to stay in the moment, not look too far ahead, not look back and kind of just take advantage of every moment, whether it's me working or it's me just being grateful for where I am today. I try to just stay in the moment, and it's worked out pretty good thus far. So I try to continue to do so," Gilgeous-Alexander said. 

This is the right mindset to have, as staying present and blocking out external noise is key to winning at the highest level. Especially since the Thunder doesn't have significant postseason experience, Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to instill this mindset in the locker room is important. 

Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is only 25 years old, he's mature beyond his years and possesses the natural leadership traits needed to take this Thunder team the distance.

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