JJ Redick Says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Deserves to Play on Christmas Day

Thunder basketball used to be a yearly Christmas tradition in Oklahoma City. Whether home or away, fans of the team could plan Holiday gatherings around the big game and secure the primetime slot. Recently, however, the tradition has gone cold. It has been five years since the Thunder last played on Christmas, and NBA fans are ready for the streak to be over.

If this season is any indication, the Thunder won't have to wait long to be a Christmas Day staple once again.

JJ Redick went to bat for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on his podcast, saying he was the one player who deserved to play on Christmas most. It would've been the perfect opportunity for the casual NBA fan to see what Oklahoma City has been cooking up all season long.

“I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that he has been one of the three or four best offensive players in the league this year," Redick said. "And I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he’s been a top five player in the league this year. On top of that, they’ve had team success. He’s the obvious one to me (that didn’t get a Christmas Day game.)

"You bring up the star power thing with him and he doesn’t do a lot in terms of media, interviews. So unless you are a die hard fan who loves watching league pass at 8 p.m. on a Tuesday, you’re getting a ton of — they don’t even have a ton of nationally televised games. I just think for the league it would’ve been nice to showcase Shai and showcase OKC.”

The Thunder played on Christmas Day in every year from 2010-18, going 6-3 in those contests. With players like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City is forcing its way back into the national spotlight. It shouldn't be long until the team is back playing in the Holiday season's marquee event.

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