Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shares wife's brutally honest advice
Over the past three years, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the top stars in the NBA. During a recent interview, the All-Star guard opened up on one member of his support system who always keeps him honest.
Earlier this year, SGA tied the knot with his girlfriend, Hailey Summers. She too has a basketball background, as she played when she was in high school.
While speaking with Marc Spears of Andscape, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on how he and his wife talk about the game. The OKC Thunder star stated that Summers does not mince her words, especially when she feels he can be playing better.
"If my mindset is off, she makes sure I know," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Those are the things that I can control. And she can see if I wear it on my sleeve. She can see if I’m not aggressive and say, ‘What is the point of being out there if you’re not being aggressive?’ It’s a little hard, but I’m like, ‘[Expletive] you’re right.’"
After finishing runner-up for MVP last year, SGA continues to play at a high level for the Thunder. This season, he is averaging 30.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opens up on being a leader for the OKC Thunder
After being drafted by the LA Clippers in 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the OKC Thunder following his rookie season. Along with rising to stardom with his new team, he's also emerged as the team's on-court leader.
Armed with a war chest of draft picks, the Thunder have slowly been able to build a promising young core. The franchise already seems to have found two more standout prospects to pair with SGA in Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. While they've performed well in their young careers, the two are still finding their footing in the NBA.
During his interview with Marc Spears, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on being the go-to leader on a young team with big aspirations. He admitted it comes with its own challenges, but it's a role he's fully embracing.
"I embrace it for sure. It comes with a burden,” Gilgeous-Alexander told Andscape. “It comes with the crown. It comes with all the things you dream about as a kid being a superstar in the NBA. I definitely dreamed about being this as a player and these things come with it. And I knew that. So, I definitely embrace it.”
After finishing with the best record in the Western Conference last season, the Thunder are on pace to do it again in 2025. Armed with new veteran pieces as well, Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the charge for OKC as they attempt to contend for a championship.