Q&A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Thunder culture, routine and All-Star experience
Q: What does the Thunder’s success say about the organization?
SGA: Yeah, really good players. The organization does a really good job of putting us in position to be successful. Guys are driven because of that. We have a team-first mentality, and I think the rest takes care of itself.
Q: You’ve talked about being team-first for a couple years. What does it mean to see the success follow?
SGA: It makes it easy out there. We trust each other, we play for each other, and then we get rewarded because of it. It always makes it easier when you get rewarded.
Q: What has the All-Star experience been like for you this year?
SGA: It’s beautiful, it’s powerful. Dream come true. It’s just cool to be around guys that play on the same level as me and have done amazing things with the game.
Q: What’s it like being back in Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend?
SGA: It’s cool. It was so long ago and the arena is so different, it doesn’t really feel like I played here. But when we play against them, the fans are always great. I love the wall — it’s dope. The city of LA has always been good to me.
Q: What advice would you give young fans?
SGA: Do your homework, eat your vegetables, study for your tests, work hard.
Q: If you weren’t playing basketball, what sport would you choose?
SGA: I would be playing soccer or I would be playing tennis.
Q: What’s the story behind the Nobu reference with Tristan Thompson?
SGA: Tristan had just come off winning a championship that summer and met the team in Manila. He took all the guys out to Nobu and that was my first time having Nobu. So yeah, I had to return the favor — I still haven’t though.
Q: What kind of influence did Chris Paul have on your career?
SGA: Chris was special for my career. Off the court, he was the first person I was around who really took care of their body and showed me the importance of the weight room. He was the first point guard I really studied — how he read the pick and roll, how he controlled the game. He was the standard for me growing up.
Q: What do you remember about your early international experience in Chile?
SGA: That was the first time I saw stray dogs and I was terrified of dogs back then, so I was scared of Chile. But it was fun — first time going overseas and playing basketball. Big experience for me.
Q: What does your pregame routine look like?
SGA: I get a nap. I eat at the same time every day so my body is fueled the same way. I drink a certain amount of water. And on the way to the game and before the game, I don’t listen to music — I just clear my mind.