Canada, who were placed in Group A for the Paris Olympics — known as the “Group of Death” — were battled-tested as the Canadians went a perfect 3-0. Canada defeated Spain (88-85), Australia (93-83), and Greece (86-79) to advance to the quarterfinals. Here is how Team Canada is helping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expand his game.
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Continues to Expand His Game with Team Canada
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Global Rise
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s superstar has had no problems adjusting to international basketball at the Paris Olympics.
Anyone who has watched OKC’s growth over the last two seasons, it’s no surprise to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander excelling at the Paris Olympics. The Thunder’s MVP candidate has been ascending since coming into the NBA back in 2018 and hasn’t slowed down at all.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Adaptability
After playing for Doc Rivers during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers and playing under Billy Donovan during his first season in Oklahoma City, SGA has gotten used to the Thunder’s system. Mark Daigneault has built a good foundation and has instilled his philosophies to line up perfectly with SGA’s and it was on full display last season. He was the runner-up for MVP. He’s playing at an MVP level with the Thunder and taking this team to new heights. It’s good to change it up to experience different styles and expand your game, and that’s exactly what SGA is doing with Team Canada.
The main differences between playing with Oklahoma City and Team Canada have been glaring. Team Canada doesn’t have a big caliber of Chet Holmgren, and SGA doesn’t have the spacing nor the array of three-point shooters on Team Canada.
He has had to adjust to a completely different kind of floor spacing and attack from different angles and areas on Team Canada. He’s also playing without his running mate in Jalen Williams, which means he’s having to take on more of a playmaking role. Jamal Murray hasn’t quite looked like himself, so outside of SGA, RJ Barrett is the one who has stepped up thus far as SGA running mate, along with good and timely production from Dillon Brooks and Andrew Nembhard for Team Canada. Lu Dort has been the unsung hero defensively for Team Canada and has played a similar role as he does with Oklahoma City. This is a good sign if you’re a Thunder fan because it doesn’t allow him to create bad habits.
In addition to the roster, he’s also experiencing a new coaching style under Jordi Fernandez. Because it’s not a full season of basketball like the NBA, the offense is more on the fly and SGA is making decisions much quicker. Jordi Fernandez also has different philosophies and schematics than Mark Daigneault.
How playing for Team Canada will benefit Gilgeous-Alexander moving forward
Having to play with different players that don’t necessarily compliment his game perfectly, and hear from different leadership, is good for SGA. It’s growing and expanding his game and will help him in the long run as he reaches closer to his prime and becomes the best version of himself.
The early returns are positive for Team Canada, as he has been one of the best players in the entire Olympics and continues to showcase that he’s one of the best basketball players in the entire world on the International stage. The returns for the Thunder should continue to be the same.
Main Image: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
