In the exciting and competitive field of basketball, where each dribble and each shot play a pivotal role, promising young athletes are frequently compared to the illustrious wanderers who came before them. Sun’s Legend Eddie Johnson noticed OKC Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having an outstanding game against the New York Knicks. Shai currently has 29 points.

In a radio interview with @TermineRadio, Eddie Johnson shares his thoughts on why he thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is getting close to the level of Larry Bird.

Unlocking the Larry Bird connection

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a unique playing style that is very reminiscent of Larry Bird. Eddie Johnson, a veteran commentator, has been closely watching the game and has praised Gilgeous-Alexander for his skills and athleticism on the court. As per Johnson’s statement, the secret is in how the players handle the game—by playing on the ground. As he said, “I just don’t think it’s a defender in the league that unequivocally say, OK, I can bother him. (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) might have the best footwork in the league”, he said.

As Johnson said, Gilgeous-Alexander is a gifted athlete, but he imitates the masterful strategy of Bird by moving in between defenders and using extraordinary techniques to maintain possession of the ball. As Shai possesses a talent that is above average, and it’s not just limited to sports. This student is extremely good at basketball.

He is very good at moving fast and shooting very accurately.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander post-trade: a tale of growth and setbacks

Since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander moved from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it has taken a turn for both teams.  With the big trade, they suddenly put Shai into a big role with the Thunder and he got better at it fast. He made it onto the All-NBA team because of his amazing game. During Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s tenure as the leader, his team could execute the strategy that led to the return to the level they wanted to reach. 

On the other hand, the Clippers, despite having big names like Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and now James Harden, encountered unexpected obstacles. The aftermath of the trade witnessed a series of hurdles, including injuries and early playoff exits, prompting introspection within the organization.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rapid rise accentuated the stark contrast between the trajectories of the two teams post-trade. The NBA’s power dynamics have changed drastically with the rise of Shai Gilgeous and how the Thunder have grown. The Clippers have also been experiencing a lot of upheavals because of the unpredictable nature of the team.

Is this a lesson for teams to trust their young players as opposed to only acquiring big name superstars?

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