Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrated his 22nd birthday on July 12, and from within the NBA’s Orlando bubble, you can bet that this birthday celebration was unlike any of his previous ones.
One of the underlying themes for the Thunder this season has been the relationship between Chris Paul and the young guard whom many see as the future of the organization. The duo have seemed to have grown quite close, with Paul joining many of his other comrades in wishing the young Canadian a Happy 22nd Birthday from within the NBA’s Orlando bubble on Sunday.
“one day you’re gonna have to tell them who really put you on to game happy birthday @shai,” Chris Paul posted on Instagram.
Whether he was taking credit for teaching Gilgeous-Alexander how to dress or succeed in the NBA is up for debate. It is, however, worth noting that Paul’s arrival in Oklahoma City has coincided with Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise.
Gilgeous-Alexander took to Instagram to thank Paul as well as scores of other teammates — Darius Bazley and Hamidou Diallo among them — for the well wishes.
The Thunder were scheduled to hold their third practice in Orlando on Sunday night, but it should be interesting to see what kind of birthday activities the now 22-year-old has planned.
With all the promise he’s shown, it’s incredible to think that Gilgeous-Alexander is that young. As he continues to age and physically develop, for him, the sky truly seems to be the limit.
