The dream season last year saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win the NBA Championship, NBA Finals MVP, and regular season MVP all in one year. Expectations are higher this season, as Gilgeous-Alexander will be judged by the same standard after a historic season as arguably the best player in the league. A recent interview had Gilgeous-Alexander talking about some of his long-term goals.
Kobe Bryant was named by Shai in a recent interview discussing the impact that he hopes to leave on the league once he’s done. GQ Magazine received this quote from Gilgeous-Alexander saying passing legends like Bryant is a real goal:
“I pick up a basketball to be the best. If you’re asking me if I want to be better than Kobe, of course I do. Whether I get there or not, we’ll find out.”
Many of today’s stars view Bryant as the standard they are all measured to. The younger generation of players missed Michael Jordan’s career and are still competing against LeBron James today. Bryant’s legacy is easier to look to as the dream scenario since Gilgeous-Alexander and others got to experience his retirement at the end of an iconic career.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thinks He’ll Improve
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the strong favorites to win the upcoming NBA Championship. NBA fans have not witnessed a repeat champion since the Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant’s super team Golden State Warriors squad won back-to-back titles. Gilgeous-Alexander must play at an equal or better level from last season for this to happen.
The same GQ interview featured more bold comments from Gilgeous-Alexander talking about his own vision for greatness. Shai believes that he can improve even more beyond the 30-point scoring MVP and world champion reputation he created last season. Thunder fans should expect greatness for many more years.
“I still feel there’s another level I can get to,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Every season you get better in the offseason, the NBA adjusts to that version of you, and then you learn something new. And that cycle just goes and goes and goes. As you go in your career, it becomes more mental. “
Mental strength is an interesting point for SGA knowing that he’s already achieved the physical goal of proving he can win at the highest level based on talent. The confidence from last season could help Gilgeous-Alexander reach even higher heights with a strong core around him and an understanding of the ultimate goal.
Is Shai Leading A Super Team?
One strong positive for Gilgeous-Alexander’s future is that he has two outstanding co-stars. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams both had breakout seasons last year and are expected to take another step forward this season. Gilgeous-Alexander may be able to miss some time or take a back seat to let them and other young players get more opportunities.
However, his comments about greatness and being compared to Kobe Bryant show that Gilgeous-Alexander still expects to perform at his usual elite level. Time will tell whether Oklahoma City becomes the next dynasty or if Gilgeous-Alexander can thrive as the league’s top overall star. His desire to surpass Bryant proves he’s driven to become the best version of himself and isn’t content with his success so far.
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