Career Timeline of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made an impact.

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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

August 3, 2021: Rookie Extension Agreement

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

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.

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.

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.

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.