Reports: Danny Ainge would’ve drafted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander if Celtics hadn't traded Collin Sexton pick for Kyrie Irving
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the league by storm this season. With the youngster taking the next step towards stardom, former NBA player Brian Scalabrine recently revealed that Shai could've been the face of a different franchise.
Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted as the eleventh overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the LA Clippers. After emerging as an impressive young prospect, the Clippers traded him to the OKC Thunder after his rookie season.
Promptly after being traded, Shai played alongside the likes of Chris Paul and almost immediately notched a statistical improvement. This jump was met by a consequent upward rise as he has only gotten better with each following season.
Since signing a max contract extension with the Thunder, Shai has burst onto the scene as the face of the Thunder franchise. However, a recent report has suggested that the 24-year old could have had the opportunity to be a rising star in another team.
As per former NBA player Brian Scalabrine, NBA GM Danny Ainge has plans to draft Shai for the Boston Celtics. He mentioned this on a recent Celtics broadcast where he said that Ainge planned to draft Shai Gilgeous-Alexander if Boston still retained their pick that year.
However, the Celtics made the move to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers that summer. The trade resulted in Boston sending over their 2018 first-round pick as well.
Brian Scalabrine says Danny Ainge would’ve drafted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander if Celtics hadn't traded Collin Sexton pick for Kyrie Irving: ahnfiredigital.com/nba/celtics/br…
Given that Ainge has displayed a nose for smelling out potential, he would've done well by drafting Shai. The youngster's development could certainly be far more interesting to follow when compared to the manner in which Irving's entanglement with the Celtics ended at least.
The idea of Shai linking up with the Boston Celtics big three is a tantalizing concept. However, with the way in which he has developed in OKC, it is safer to see him grow as a franchise player for the Thunder.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demands more attention
The OKC Thunder haven't been a competitive team in the NBA for a while. However, they are far from being boring. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting the league on notice, the 24-year old has taken the league by storm.
The Thunder have several interesting pieces on their roster. With Josh Giddey running the offense, OKC will also await the return of Gonzaga product Chet Holmgren.
However, Shai is by far the star of the franchise. Notching an average of 31.5 points and 5.8 assists per game. The Thunder guard is lighting it up with the side.
Several have taken note of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ascent this season. With former NBA champion Kyle Kuzma stating that Shai is one of the "top 5 guards in the league", the 24-year old finds himself in interesting company.
The Thunder remain a middling team as they feature a 7-8 record. However, Shai has looked like an absolute force of nature in this span of time. Coming off a 42-point outing in their most recent win, he has only added to his impressive scoring performances this season.
With more hype and attention being drawn towards OKC, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be at the forefront of a breakout season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. for the win. AGAIN.
youtu.be/PMEOn65tO10 https://t.co/TsHan0z8ST
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