Former LA Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent an impressive year with his first NBA team. We look back at his best moments.
On Friday night, the LA Clippers made the splash of the offseason by acquiring the services of Kawhi Leonard via free agency and Paul George via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was announced that the Clippers would send young guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, veteran forward Danilo Gallinari and five first-round draft picks for George, and with that came a welcome surprise to Clipper Nation and NBA fans alike.
Gilgeous-Alexander obviously played a huge role in this trade being completed, due to his high ceiling and OKC’s new possibility of trading star guard Russell Westbrook. But regardless of what he becomes with the Thunder, it’s important that we remember all the contributions the young guard made in his lone season in Los Angeles.
The Kentucky product made an impact immediately for Doc Rivers, as he averaged about eight points per game in his first few games. Come December, he was almost a different player as he averaged 12.1 points per game, including an 18-point performance against the Golden State Warriors in one of the best games of the regular season.
Gilgeous-Alexander quickly won the starting point guard position, as he slowly but surely continued to grow as the season continued. With time, he led the offense and the team to victories in a quest for the Western Conference playoffs despite the departure of Tobias Harris.
His best month came down the stretch in March, when he scored in double figures 13 out of 15 times and averaged 14.2 points along with 4.5 assists per contest while leading the team to a 13-2 month just before playoff time.
The playoffs allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to showcase his talents against Golden State, especially in Game 4 when he dropped 25 points despite losing a hard-fought game due to the brilliance of Kevin Durant.
When it was all said and done, Gilgeous-Alexander walked away with All-Rookie Second Team honors along with some recognition from Durant and other NBA stars.
No doubt, Gilgeous-Alexander was the best draft pick the LA Clippers had made since selecting Blake Griffin, and he proved it throughout his rookie season. His playmaking and driving ability with a 6-foot-6 frame allows for him to develop quickly especially if he begins to add a lethal jumpshot.
Now that the Canadian guard has moved on to the Thunder, where he will likely have a fashion contest with Westbrook night-in and night-out, he gives himself the opportunity to be the future of another franchise.
In all likelihood, Westbrook will be gone sooner rather than later, leaving the reigns to Gilgeous-Alexander to take over the Thunder and lead them alongside a young core which will come to fruition with numerous future picks and acquisitions.
He had a short stint with the Clippers, but it was well worth it. The kid is humble and talented and will do great things in Oklahoma City, and I have no doubt about it. He will learn from Westbrook while he can and develop into a true All-Star-caliber guard for seasons to come.
Best of luck to Shai and his future endeavors, as it will truly be a fun matchup when he plays the LA Clippers season after season as he continues to develop.