NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder Keeps His Cool Despite Growing External Expectations
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is living in the now, even if the Oklahoma City Thunder have gained greater recognition in the league and have the potential to do big things in the future.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced significantly further into contention this season with a 37-17 record through the first three games of the 2023–24 season. Because Oklahoma City is most likely to host a first-round playoff series, there are now very high external expectations for this squad. In addition, there is extra noise and distraction as a consequence of the increasing hoopla around the Thunder.
Shai Gilbertous-Alexander, fortunately for the Thunder, is in charge and sets the tone both on and off the court. For one of the league’s newest clubs, his composure and ability to stay in the present are essential, especially when his actions and feelings are contagious to the whole squad.
When questioned about the transition to being a team with larger expectations during NBA All-Star Weekend, Gilgeous-Alexander responded, “For me, it’s not any more difficult.” “I believe that I’ve learnt from experience, yet it’s natural for a young child to become engrossed in it when thinking about high school and rankings and such. I’ve just had a great deal of success by not ignoring it but also refusing to let it intimidate or dominate me. I believe all I’ve learnt from it is to find what works for me and then attempt to pursue it. It’s not much tougher at this moment since, hopefully, I’ve evolved through difficult times in the past.
Even if the Thunder is now excellent, this is just the beginning. This squad will only become better over the course of the next five to seven years, given the youth of the group’s nucleus and the amount of draft money available to the front office. Although Gilgeous-Alexander is aware that OKC is well-positioned for future success, he is living in the now and tending to his immediate needs.
“I really try to be very aware of the here and now, to not look too far forward or too far back, and to kind of just enjoy every minute, whether it’s working or just being appreciative of where I am right now. I attempt to simply remain inside
This is the correct way of thinking since the secret to succeeding at the top level is to remain in the moment and tune out outside distractions. Maintaining this mentality in the locker room is crucial, especially when Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder have little postseason experience.
Despite being only 25 years old, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is wise beyond his years and has the innate leadership qualities required to lead this Thunder squad to victory.
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