All smiles in sporting his Team Canada jersey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the chance to suit up for his home country for the first time in a couple of summers. The 27-year-old has required little time to say yes to those opportunities over the years.
Most of Gilgeous-Alexander's all-time great lore has been written about the Oklahoma City Thunder. After all, he's ascended into a two-time MVP and an NBA champion there. He graduated from an intriguing prospect to a walking 30-point machine in Paycom Center.
Within Gilgeous-Alexander's growing basketball novel, though, there are a few chapters about his time in Canada. He's ushered in a golden era for the country's basketball program. He helped them bring home bronze in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and fifth place in the 2024 Olympics — both historic finishes for them.
Still at the peak of his basketball powers, Gilgeous-Alexander has turned into one of Canada's most well-known professional athletes. To most, he's already ***** ed Steve Nash's crown for best Canadian player in NBA history. Because of that — along with his evergreen affinity for his hometown — Toronto Raptors fans have circled him as their dream target for nearly a decade.
Whenever Gilgeous-Alexander utters positive comments about Toronto or the Raptors, social media is filled with reactions from their fanbase — some say he's coming home, others boldly proclaim it's an open secret he'll eventually play there and the rest simply use the eyeballs emoji.
Most of Gilgeous-Alexander's all-time great lore has been written about the Oklahoma City Thunder. After all, he's ascended into a two-time MVP and an NBA champion there. He graduated from an intriguing prospect to a walking 30-point machine in Paycom Center.
Within Gilgeous-Alexander's growing basketball novel, though, there are a few chapters about his time in Canada. He's ushered in a golden era for the country's basketball program. He helped them bring home bronze in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and fifth place in the 2024 Olympics — both historic finishes for them.
Still at the peak of his basketball powers, Gilgeous-Alexander has turned into one of Canada's most well-known professional athletes. To most, he's already ***** ed Steve Nash's crown for best Canadian player in NBA history. Because of that — along with his evergreen affinity for his hometown — Toronto Raptors fans have circled him as their dream target for nearly a decade.
Whenever Gilgeous-Alexander utters positive comments about Toronto or the Raptors, social media is filled with reactions from their fanbase — some say he's coming home, others boldly proclaim it's an open secret he'll eventually play there and the rest simply use the eyeballs emoji.
2 months ago
