In a shocking turn of events, Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stunned fans, teammates, and even head coach Mark Daigneault during a surprise press conference at the Thunder practice facility this morning.
Standing before a packed media room, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a heartfelt and unexpected announcement:
“I’ve made the decision to step away from basketball… temporarily.”
The 27-year-old superstar, widely considered one of the top guards in the NBA and a leading MVP candidate, cited a desire to focus on personal growth, philanthropic projects, and supporting youth basketball initiatives in his native Canada.
“This game has given me everything,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, holding back emotion. “But right now, I need to give back in ways that go beyond the court.”
Coach Daigneault Caught Off Guard
Head coach Mark Daigneault, who was reportedly unaware of the announcement prior to the press conference, was visibly stunned.
“I… I didn’t see that coming,” Daigneault said, pausing for several seconds. “We support Shai 100%. He’s earned the right to make this kind of decision. But yeah — I’m speechless.”
Thunder Organization Reacts
The Oklahoma City Thunder released a brief statement following the announcement:
“We fully support Shai in his decision and are incredibly proud of his commitment to making a difference off the court. The door is always open.”
While the Thunder were expected to be serious contenders in the Western Conference this season, this sudden development has thrown the team’s outlook into uncertainty.
What’s Next?
Gilgeous-Alexander did not specify a timeline for his return, but assured fans that this was not a retirement announcement.
“This isn’t goodbye,” he clarified. “It’s just… see you later.”
Social media has erupted with reactions ranging from shock and support to speculation about whether this signals a deeper issue behind the scenes or a calculated move for future positioning.
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