A Different Version of Shai? Thunder Star Gilgeous-Alexander Continues to Roll at FIBA World Cup

However you spin it, Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a one-of-a-kind talent. Depending on which team he's playing for between Team Canada and Oklahoma City, however, his game does show some change.

When Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes the court at Paycom Center, his game is one-of-a-kind. 

Entering the league in 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander was a highly-touted prospect, and since he's been on NBA hardwood, he hasn't disappointed. Every year that he's been in the league, he's improved his scoring and continued to place himself among the league's top players.

With the Thunder being as young as it is, his leadership has been key to the team's development — just as it has been for his own — but that just applies to what The Ringer's "The Mismatch" podcast called "OKC version of Gilgeous-Alexander." 

"[Shai] does not play like the Oklahoma City version of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Team Canada," co-hosts Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon said. "SGA is in ball sharing mode. He's not having to dominate like he does for the Thunder. It's just a completely different style of play for him."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed out in Canada's #FIBAWC opening win 🔥

27 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST pic.twitter.com/OONcGL9s5h

— NBA (@NBA) August 25, 2023

In a way, the pair is correct. Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder is needed in a different way than he is on Team Canada, and if you ask O'Connor and Vernon, the reason for that is simple:

"The Canadian Team has been awesome," the duo said. "They're loaded. ... They've got a bunch of guys on that team." 

Between R.J. Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, Lu Dort, Dillon Brooks and even Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander is still performing like the team's best player. In just three games, SGA has averaged 22 points, eight rebounds and 5.7 assists — all three figures enough to lead the team. 

Gilgeous-Alexander's summer performance also sheds light on his increasing MVP odds. Currently, SGA sits in ninth place with odds of +1800 to take home the award at the end of the season — and if he continues his streak of improving his stats, those odds will likely increase throughout the year. 

The Thunder isn't constructed the same way that Team Canada is, however. Putting together a group of the country's best players is much different than an NBA roster, but Oklahoma City has potential. It may be still a few seasons away from it, but a plethora of draft picks and seemingly endless potential, OKC could certainly become a real contender in the Western Conference. 

And Shai's one-of-a-kind talent is the biggest reason for that. 

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