Thunder Star's Bizarre Outfit Sparks Backlash

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's over-the-top press conference look leaves fans bewildered

Mar. 5, 2026 at 11:20pm

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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has sparked a social media frenzy over his bizarre outfit choice for a recent post-game press conference. The 24-year-old guard showed up wearing an extremely bulky and impractical winter coat, drawing widespread criticism from fans who questioned his fashion sense and the NBA's culture of narcissism.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's attention-grabbing outfit is the latest example of NBA players using their pregame arrivals and press conference appearances as a platform for outlandish fashion statements, rather than focusing on the game itself. This trend has become a point of contention among fans who feel the league has become too focused on style over substance.

The details

In photos and video from the press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander can be seen wearing an oversized, puffy winter coat that appears several sizes too large for him. The coat is so bulky that it nearly swallows up the 6'6" player, leading many to question how he could have possibly worn it comfortably indoors on a 41-degree night. Critics have lambasted the outfit as an unnecessary and ridiculous display of vanity from the young NBA star.

  • The press conference took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 after the Thunder's game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A 24-year-old point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is known for his on-court skills but has also drawn attention for his unconventional fashion choices.

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What they’re saying

“SGA, bro, what are we doing here? I have been to New York City in March, during a blizzard, and didn't even dress this absurdly.”

— Austin Perry, Outkick Columnist

The takeaway

Gilgeous-Alexander's bizarre outfit choice is the latest example of the NBA's growing culture of narcissism, where players seem more focused on making a fashion statement than showcasing their basketball skills. This trend has drawn increasing criticism from fans who feel the league has lost sight of what truly matters - the game itself.