Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to be on a mission after obtaining his first championship.
Jordan has 6 rings, Bryant has 5, James has 4, Curry has 4, and all the greats work whether they win or lose.
Many expectations for the Oklahoma City Thunder after winning their first championship in more than a decade, but their opponents might be hungrier, especially in the Western Conference.
Two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso said it would be harder this time, knowing that having their first title could lead to complacency. He also noted that it was different from his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, with LeBron James.
“Some of the things I will convey to the team just about how it’s different being the hunted vs. being the hunter. I think our mindset is still hunter,” Caruso said per Clementa Alamanza.
“This team is a little different than that LA team. I think we only had 5 players returning from that team… When you have the crown, people want it. That’s the reality.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The veteran defender commended the reigning MVP, noting that he comes in every day in practice and serves as a role model for the team.
“Greatness doesn’t rest. That’s what I’ve seen from the guys in the league that are Hall-of-Famers… Shai comes in every day like he’s trying to make the team. He’s the most competitive guy on our team day in and day out… I’ve seen it with countless of other guys I’ve been around that are going to have jackets at the end of their careers.”
Caruso also noted the competitiveness and winning mentality that Shai has, which is no surprise, given why he earned the major awards, especially his first title last season.
“There will be days in the middle of the season when we’ll have practice. Everybody is kinda lagging through practice,” Caruso said. “He gets one play and is yelling. Asking people to guard him harder. He’s figured it out up here. You mix that work ethic and competitiveness with that skillset and the athleticism he has, it’s no surprise he’s ascending into winning awards and having success in the league.”
