Playing for Canada in a couple of glorified exhibition games in his hometown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander revealed an interesting storyline that carried through the entire NBA offseason. The two-time MVP winner elected to play an off-ball role. The limited sample saw him chill in the corner and conserve his energy.
Turns out, it was Gilgeous-Alexander's call. Is that something he's hoping to incorporate on the Oklahoma City Thunder? The 28-year-old talked about it at the 2026-27 NBA Media Day. He didn't flat-out say it, but you can read between the lines.
"Every season and every offseason, I use it to try to find ways to become a more well-rounded basketball player," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "That was just an area of the game where I felt like I could
be a better basketball player. Some summers, it's defense. Some summers, it's off-the-dribble shooting. Some summers, it's posting up."
After an offseason filled with roster changes, the Thunder are playing through new dynamics. One of those is their sudden abundance of capable ball-handlers and go-to scorers. We know about Jalen Williams. He helped OKC win the 2025 NBA championship as its second-best scorer.
But Ajay Mitchell took a leap last year in that department. Entering a possible contract year, Cason Wallace is trying to do the same. He's shown flashes, but nothing sustainable yet. There's also Jared McCain — who OKC took a flyer on at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. Even Bennett Stirtz fits the bill of somebody who can run the show.
It seems like the Thunder are consciously trying to modernize their halfcourt offense. Gone are the days when it was the 'Shai-and-Pray' approach as the walking 30-point bucket did all of the work while his teammates stood around the perimeter. If OKC hopes to win a second NBA championship in three years, it has to stay ahead of league trends. Being more creative on offense is one way to ensure that.
There's also the attrition perks of a more self-reliant offensive ecosystem. If Gilgeous-Alexander can have less of a burden in the regular season, that's fewer miles attached to his legs. The drive-heavy scorer won't be as physically taxed as before. Which means he could enter a little fresher in the 2027 NBA playoffs. That's a scary thought for the rest of the league. Especially since his superb scoring efficiency has historically taken a dip in the postseason.
Alas, we'll see what materializes with Gilgeous-Alexander playing more off-ball. Training camp is when everybody is filled with optimism and excited to get things going. But once the regular season grind begins, teams and players typically fall back on their old habits.
"Just try to become the best basketball player I can be when it's all said and done," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hoping to be 'more well-rounded' in possible off-ball role
