OKLAHOMA CITY — Ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on his offseason improvement. Gilgeous-Alexander warned the NBA about Jalen Williams coming back. Now, he's revealing how he continues to get better after winning MVP in back-to-back seasons.
Gilgeous-Alexander has worked on his game on both ends of the floor over the summer, and during training camp, as the Thunder will chase its second championship in three seasons.
“I feel like I'm a better basketball player — more versatile as a basketball player — and in better shape, too,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I would say those two things. My versatility, offensively and defensively.”
Although the Thunder parted ways with three rotation players, including starting guard Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appreciates the familiarity he's experienced with his teammates ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Article Continues Below“For us, it's more about getting the things — our pillars — firing on all cylinders. This group, especially, we understand what it takes to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “We know what it's going to look like, whether it's in the middle of January or in the middle of June; we know what it takes to win. It's just about how fast we can get to that. How fast can we be on the same page? How fast can we get our communication firing? And then also, how fast can we implement the things that we've learned from last season?
“For us to get better as a group, we kind of applied them to this season. It's less learning and more everybody sharpening their individual blade, and blade as a team, and getting those things going.”
The Thunder, without Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and a handful of other rotation players, will host the Pelicans in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Tuesday.