History of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Timeline

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is a Canadian professional basketball player currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. After a single season of college basketball with the Kentucky Wildcats, he was drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He has since become a prominent player in the league. A three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Team selection, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier talents.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1936: Canada's Last Medal at Major Global Tournament

In 1936, the Summer Olympics were the last time Canada won a medal at a major global tournament before Gilgeous-Alexander led them to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

1992: Mother's Olympic Appearance

In 1992, Gilgeous-Alexander's mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, competed in the women's 400 metres for Antigua and Barbuda at the Summer Olympics.

July 12, 1998: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Birth

On July 12, 1998, Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander, also known as SGA, was born. He is now a Canadian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2013: Thunder's Last Top Seed

In 2024, behind Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder won 57 games and entered the 2024 NBA playoffs as the Western Conference's first seed, for the first time since 2013.

2015: Move to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy

In 2015, Gilgeous-Alexander moved to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee to play better competition.

October 2016: Re-opening College Recruitment

In October 2016, Gilgeous-Alexander re-opened his college recruitment after originally committing to Florida.

2016: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship and Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2016, Gilgeous-Alexander played for the Canadian junior national team in the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship in Valdivia, Chile, winning a silver medal. Later that year, he joined the senior national team at the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, where Canada missed qualification to the 2016 Summer Olympics after being defeated by France in the tournament final.

2016: Participation in Basketball Without Borders Camp

In early 2016, Gilgeous-Alexander participated in the Basketball Without Borders Camp.

2016: Last Semifinals Appearance

In the 2024 playoffs, the Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, the franchise's first since 2016. They would later lose to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.

2017: Graduation from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy

In 2017, Gilgeous-Alexander graduated from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he improved his basketball skills during his junior and senior years.

2017: Nike Hoop Summit

In 2017, Gilgeous-Alexander represented the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit and scored eleven points in 21 minutes.

2017: Start of College Season at Kentucky

In 2017, Gilgeous-Alexander started the season as a reserve for Kentucky, averaging over 30 minutes per game. Later on, he became the starting point guard.

April 9, 2018: Declaration for the NBA Draft

On April 9, 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander declared for the 2018 NBA draft after playing college basketball for Kentucky.

June 21, 2018: NBA Draft Selection and Trade to Clippers

On June 21, 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA draft and then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers the same day. He also played in the 2018 NBA Summer League.

December 17, 2018: Season-Best 24 Points

On December 17, 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-best 24 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2018: NBA Draft and Trade

In 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA draft but was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers the same night.

January 18, 2019: Tying Season Best Score

On January 18, 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander tied his season best with 24 points in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

April 21, 2019: Career High During Playoffs

On April 21, 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a new career high of 25 points in a playoff game loss against the Golden State Warriors.

July 10, 2019: Trade to Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 10, 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

July 2019: Trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder

In July 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

October 8, 2019: Preseason Debut with Thunder

On October 8, 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander made his preseason debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 24 points against the Dallas Mavericks.

December 22, 2019: Career-High 32 Points

On December 22, 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a then career-high 32 points in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

January 13, 2020: First NBA Triple Double

On January 13, 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his first NBA triple double with 20 points, 10 assists, and 20 rebounds in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the youngest to achieve a 20-20-10 statline.

July 2020: Endorsement Deal with Converse

In July 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander signed an endorsement deal with Converse.

December 26, 2020: Game-Winning Shot Against Hornets

On December 26, 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and made a game-winning jump shot in a 109–107 win against the Charlotte Hornets.

February 24, 2021: Career-High 42 Points

On February 24, 2021, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a then career-high 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the San Antonio Spurs.

March 24, 2021: Season-Ending Injury

On March 24, 2021, Gilgeous-Alexander's season ended after 35 games due to a tear in his plantar fascia.

August 3, 2021: Rookie Extension Agreement

On August 3, 2021, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder agreed to a five-year, $172 million rookie extension.

December 18, 2021: Game-Winning Shot Against Clippers

On December 18, 2021, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 18 points and made a game-winning three-pointer against his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

March 28, 2022: Ruled Out for the Season

On March 28, 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander was ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.

May 24, 2022: Commitment to Canadian National Team

On May 24, 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander committed to play with the Canadian national team for three years, aiming to qualify for the Olympic basketball tournament.

October 31, 2022: NBA Western Conference Player of the Week

On October 31, 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 2, marking his second career award.

February 2, 2023: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

On February 2, 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander was named to his first NBA All-Star Game as a reserve guard for the Western Conference.

November 8, 2023: 43 points vs Cavaliers

On November 8, 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 43 points in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2023: FIBA World Cup and Northern Star Award

In 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada to a bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup, securing a berth at the 2024 Summer Olympics. He was named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team and received the Northern Star Award as Canada's athlete of the year.

2023: All-Star Selection and All-NBA First Team

In 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander was named to his first NBA All-Star Game and voted to the All-NBA First Team after finishing fourth in league scoring with 31.4 points per game.

2023: Lakefront Property Lawsuit

In spring 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander purchased a lakefront property in Burlington, Ontario. Due to security concerns, he filed a lawsuit to reverse the purchase, alleging non-disclosure of the property's link to a bankrupt cryptocurrency trader. He won the lawsuit, and the appeal was denied.

January 25, 2024: Named Western Conference All-Star Starter

On January 25, 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander was named a Western Conference starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his second consecutive selection and first as a starter.

February 2024: Marriage to Hailey Summers

In February 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander married his longtime girlfriend, Hailey Summers.

April 2024: Birth of First Child

In April 2024, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his wife, Hailey Summers, welcomed their first child.

November 11, 2024: Career-High 45 Points vs. Clippers

On November 11, 2024, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a then-career-high 45 points, along with three rebounds, nine assists, five steals and two blocks in a 134–128 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

2024: Qualification for 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Canadian team and secured a berth at the 2024 Summer Olympics after qualifying to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

2024: 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander was named to Canada's roster for the Summer Olympics in Paris. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by France, and Gilgeous-Alexander was named to the tournament's All-Second Team, averaging 21 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4 assists per game.

January 2, 2025: Thunder's 13th Straight Win

On January 2, 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to their 13th straight win, setting a new franchise record for most consecutive regular-season wins in the Oklahoma City era.