Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander (/ ˈ ʃ eɪ ˈ ɡ ɪ l dʒ ə s / SHAY GHIL-jəs; [1] or / ˈ ʃ ʌ ɪ ˈ ɡ ɪ l dʒ ə s / SHY GHIL-jəs; born J), also known by his initials SGA, is a Canadian .

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Key Career Moment of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cemented his NBA stardom during the 2022-23 season, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to an unexpected playoff push. His defining performance came on January 13, 2023, when he dropped a career-high 44 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his elite scoring ability.

That same season, he became the youngest player in Thunder history to average 30+ points per game, proving himself as one of basketball's brightest young stars.

He's got the complete package-speed, IQ, and an unguardable mid-range game, said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.

Unique Skill of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's signature skill is his elite footwork and hesitation dribble, allowing him to create space against any defender.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander basketball player

His ability to change speeds mid-drive and finish with either hand makes him one of the most unpredictable scorers in the NBA. Unlike many modern guards, he thrives in the mid-range, using crafty pivots and floaters to dismantle defenses.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Stats

  • 2022-23 NBA All-Star, averaging 31.4 PPG (4th in the league)
  • Career-high 44 points vs.

    Portland (January 2023)

  • First Canadian to lead the NBA in 30-point games in a season (2023)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Legacy in the NBA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is reshaping the future of Canadian basketball, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash and Andrew Wiggins.

Checkout the latest stats of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, draft status, shoots, school and more on Sports Reference ®.

His rise from a late lottery pick to an All-NBA talent has inspired a new generation of guards. A unique fact: He grew up idolizing Manu Ginbili, adopting his unorthodox yet effective playing style. Now the face of the Thunder, his legacy is tied to elevating small-market teams while proving that patience and skill development can trump flashy superteams.

  • Equivalent publications: Sheppard was named Gatorade Player of the Year in and Kentucky Mr. Basketball in A consensus four-star recruit and McDonald's All-American, Sheppard started only five of his .