Twitter roasts Thunder star Shai-Gilgeous Alexander for calling himself “the Black Steve Nash” in a new GQ interview.
When an NBA legend says something alongside the lines of “so-and-so reminds me of me,” fans and media pundits tend to scrutinize the take like vultures until there’s nothing left hanging on the bone. But when a young player compares himself to a legend of the past, well the repercussions are usually world-breaking for that young man.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entered that fray when he donned himself “the Black Steve Nash” in a recently published GQ interview.
While the article reveals a little more context to the young star’s statement, apart from the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander and the Hall of Famer Nash are both Canadian-bred point guards, Twitter made sure to let Gilgeous-Alexander know that he was way off with his comparison.
Here’s what Twitter had to say about Gilgeous-Alexander’s comments:
The truth of the matter is that Gilgeous-Alexander has a claim to being similar to Nash, maybe not in terms of playing style or success, but in terms of both of their approach to the game.
At 23, Gilgeous-Alexander has gotten better every year in the league. As a rookie, he averaged 11 points per game as a rotational player for the Clippers. When he was traded to Oklahoma City before his second season started, he became a leading man with the Thunder and upped his scoring to 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. And last season, although only in 35 appearances, he averaged 24 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds on 51% from the field, 42% on 3-pointers and 81% at the line.
Nash, on the other hand, didn’t really start becoming good in the league until his fifth season — albeit, he did win back-to-back MVPs later down the line.
Gilgeous-Alexander has improved and will continue to do so at every level of his game, and the Thunder believe that much, as they just signed him to a five-year extension worth $172 million.
While he might not project to win two league-MVPs as Nash did, it’s not egregious to imagine that Gilgeous-Alexander can find similar success at some point in his career. The article outlines the quiet yet hardworking nature of the young guard, something very similar to that of the beloved Nash, who he admires.
Not all of Twitter was disagreed with the comparison, however:
It’s not shocking that NBA Twitter started a debate. What else is new?