Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is thriving as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star player. Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, he has reached impressive milestones. Gilgeous-Alexander guided the Thunder to a remarkable 68-14 record in the regular season and earned his first MVP award. He led his team through the playoffs, securing the franchise’s second championship and its first since relocating from Seattle in 2008. His performance in the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers earned him the Finals MVP trophy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Career Outlook
At just 27 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander forms part of a promising young core alongside teammates Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. This trio positions the Thunder as strong contenders to repeat their championship success.
Plans Beyond Basketball
In a recent GQ interview, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his thoughts on longevity in professional basketball. While he admires stars like LeBron James and Chris Paul, who continue playing into their 40s, he has different aspirations. He stated, “I definitely think I can” play as long as them, but then added, “I won’t, though. A hundred percent.”
- Family First: He emphasized the importance of being present for his son, Ares, born in April 2024. “I won’t want to miss that much of my kid’s life,” he said.
- Career Peak: Gilgeous-Alexander discussed reaching a point in his career where he would evaluate his performance. “Once I figure that out and I start going down, then it’s like, OK, well, what am I playing for now?”
He seems determined to avoid the pitfalls observed by older players, who often must alter their play style due to physical limitations. Gilgeous-Alexander is committed to performing at his best and appears uninterested in playing beyond his prime years.
Future Expectations
When asked about his career potentially ending in his mid-30s, Gilgeous-Alexander noted, “There’s no telling. But I promise you it won’t be 40.” Thunder fans can hope that his peak performance will extend into the later years, ensuring he remains a pivotal figure in the franchise’s future.
