Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Embraces Building His Own Thunder Legacy

The Thunder star opens up about not feeling burdened by the franchise's past stars and focusing on creating his own path.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 8:23am

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Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently spoke about not feeling the need to follow in the footsteps of past franchise legends like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Instead, Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on building his own legacy with the Thunder, who are currently the NBA's best team at 41-13. The 24-year-old says he's just trying to be the best player he can be every day and let his accomplishments speak for themselves.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's comments show a mature mindset as he leads the Thunder to new heights, including winning the franchise's first championship since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. His ability to carve out his own identity separate from past stars is an important part of the team's continued success.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Sports Illustrated's 2025 Sportsperson of the Year, said he doesn't feel any pressure to be the one who has to carry on the legacy of Durant and Westbrook. Instead, he's focused on just being the best version of himself and letting his play do the talking. Under Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership, the Thunder had the league's best record at 68-14 in the 2024-25 season, winning their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City.

  • In early January 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander sat down for an in-depth interview with Sports Illustrated.
  • In the 2024-25 season, the Thunder finished with the best record in the league at 68-14 and won their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The 24-year-old star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is leading the team to new heights, including winning the franchise's first championship since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Kevin Durant

A former star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who, along with Russell Westbrook, led the team to great success in the early 2010s.

Russell Westbrook

A former star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who, along with Kevin Durant, led the team to great success in the early 2010s.

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What they’re saying

“All those things happened in the past that I had no part of and no control over. So like me, trying to figure out how to follow up or how to carry the torch. It was pointless to me in what I saw. I was gonna come to Oklahoma, and I was just gonna try to be the best basketball player that I can be every day. And see where it took me.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

“I have been able to kind of just create my own and have my own name and legacy. The guys before me, the teams before me were great, obviously, some of the best to ever play… But they're no Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and I'm no them, so,”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's mature mindset of not feeling burdened by the Thunder's past success, and instead focusing on creating his own legacy, has been a key part of the team's continued dominance under his leadership. His ability to carve out his own identity separate from franchise icons like Durant and Westbrook shows his growth as a player and leader.