Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently shared a heartfelt story about his relationship with Thunder general manager Sam Presti during his acceptance speech for the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award on January 6, 2025. This past year has been particularly remarkable for Gilgeous-Alexander, as he has accumulated numerous accolades, including the NBA scoring title, his first NBA MVP award, and the coveted NBA Finals MVP honors.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to stardom began in Los Angeles with the Clippers, where he made an immediate impact by playing all 82 games during his rookie season. His performance earned him a place on the All-Rookie team before he was traded to Oklahoma City as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Paul George to the Clippers. This trade set the stage for Gilgeous-Alexander to flourish and become the face of the Thunder franchise.
During his acceptance speech in Las Vegas, he recounted a pivotal moment in his career when Presti presented him with the book titled “The Tortoise and the Hare.” According to Gilgeous-Alexander, Presti used the story to emphasize the importance of patience and perseverance during challenging times. He recalled, “Even at times when I started to get frustrated with the process, you made sure I remembered the path ahead.”
Reflecting on the struggles the team faced, including a season where they won only 25 games, Gilgeous-Alexander noted how the story resonated with his own experiences. He said, “I’d be lying if I said I hoped I didn’t need it at the time. And boy were the next few years very, very rough.”
As the Thunder began to turn things around, Gilgeous-Alexander revisited the lessons from “The Tortoise and the Hare,” which ultimately paralleled his own path and the team’s growth. His journey culminated in a championship victory during the most recent season, marking Oklahoma City’s first major professional sports title. In a gesture that encapsulated their unique bond, Presti gifted Gilgeous-Alexander a statue of the tortoise after the championship win. “That’s a very Sam Presti way of saying ‘I told you so,’” he said.
This story, shared publicly for the first time, highlights the depth of the relationship between Gilgeous-Alexander and Presti. It serves as a powerful reminder of the vision and commitment that has shaped the Oklahoma City Thunder’s trajectory. With Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent supermax contract extension, the franchise appears well-positioned to contend for years to come.
As he continues to add to his impressive accolades, including the cover of NBA 2K26 and the Northern Star award for the second consecutive year, Gilgeous-Alexander remains focused on building a legacy in Oklahoma City. His journey illustrates not just personal achievement but also the importance of mentorship and resilience in the face of adversity.
