Kevin Durant could not hold back his praise when discussing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the young NBA star’s incredible success with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander has undoubtedly been the main reason behind the success of his team. After all, he is their best player and is also a front-runner to win the 2024-2025 NBA MVP.
Durant is considered a pure scorer and has a true passion for the sport of basketball. During a recent podcast, the two-time NBA champion was asked about Gilgeous-Alexander. Since it is always interesting to hear NBA superstars describe each other, fans must certainly want to know what Durant had to say about Gilgeous-Alexander
Kevin Durant Admires the Way that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Plays
One could make the argument that Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth over the past few seasons is unlike anything that fans have seen before. Gilgeous-Alexander was one of the many assets that the Los Angeles Clippers sent to the Thunder to acquire Paul George.
After noticing his radical development with OKC, and with George departing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Clippers have already regretted the trade with nothing to show for it.
Gilgeous-Alexander is now an MVP candidate and has led his team to hold the best record in the West. There is simply no way that anyone across the league could have predicted Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth.
Durant was asked about Gilgeous-Alexander and did not hesitate to give the young NBA superstar his due credit.
“He’s(SGA) one of those dudes that’s always gonna put that ball through the rim… I appreciate watching him because he gets buckets in all types of ways…He play like he care about his stance and place in the game. You can see that when he plays. I appreciate watching him.”
“[SGA is] one of those dudes that’s always gonna put that ball through the rim… I appreciate watching him because he gets buckets all types of ways.”
Kevin Durant giving Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander his flowers 💐
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/iYSY5apAz9
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2025
Since NBA superstars tend to dial things back after receiving a max contract and recognition, Durant may have been trying to indicate that Gilgeous-Alexander is different in terms of caring and putting in effort. Being hungry to score and caring about winning alone may have given Durant that impression.
In any case, Gilgeous-Alexander is faced with the same task that a young Durant was unable to accomplish. Fans are left wondering if he will be able to lead the Thunder to their first NBA championship in the near future.
