Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian basketball player who plays shooting guard and small forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association. Gilgeous-Alexander has risen to become an elite player in the NBA at a young age, making an impact on multiple franchises during his short time in the league.
He is expected to become one of the better players in the league as he continues to develop his game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started his high school career in Canada, where he did not make the junior boys team at Thomas More in Hamilton, Ontario. He transferred to Sir Allan MacNab in Hamilton but left for Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee to finish his high school career. There, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged over 18 points per game and 4 rebounds as a senior, playing in the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit and representing Canada in the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 tournament.
Like many players with potential out of high school, Gilgeous-Alexander chose the Kentucky Wildcats for his college program. He was joined by Kevin Knox on that Kentucky team, who was drafted in the top-10 by the Knicks in 2018. Originally a backup point guard, he made it into the starting lineup before the end of his freshman season, eventually being named the MVP of the SEC Tournament.
Kentucky made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Kansas State. After the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander declared for the NBA Draft. He ended his one-year college career averaging 14.4 points per game and 5.1 assists per contest in 33.7 minutes of action per game.
The NBA career of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started when he was drafted with the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft. He was traded on draft day, being sent to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Miles Bridges and multiple second-round picks. His rookie season stats were impressive, averaging 10.8 points per game while making a very efficient 47% of his field goals attempted.
After his rookie year, Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC acquired Danilo Gallinari and multiple first-round picks in the deal as well, which sent perennial all-star Paul George to the Clippers. As a result of the trade, Gilgeous-Alexander was able to play alongside veteran point guard and double-double threat Chris Paul. Gilgeous-Alexander benefited greatly from the deal, with his scoring average increasing to over 19 points per game, and the Thunder found themselves in contention for the playoffs right away.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a three year, $11 million rookie deal with Los Angeles in 2018. He has an estimated net worth of somewhere between $1 million and $5 million. However, as his star power continues to increase with more NBA experience, he should be able to land a lucrative second contract to boost his net worth over the next few years.
Gilgeous-Alexander signed an endorsement deal with Nike upon being drafted and is likely to receive additional offers as he continues to climb the ranks of the top players in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Toronto, Ontario in Canada to parents Charmaine Gilgeous and Vaughn Alexander. He has one brother, Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander. Shai’s cousin is Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who has played in the NBA for the New Orleans Pelicans. He has been dating Hailey Summers, who plays college soccer for the University at Albany of the America East Conference.
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