While preparing for the Western Conference semifinals, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reflected on All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's leading role. Daigneault revealed his approach for the second round before speaking on Gilgeous-Alexander's growth over the years, as the MVP candidate is heading into his second semifinal appearance.

Daigneault spoke on Gilgeous-Alexander's candor and demeanor as the Thunder's leader.

“He wants to be one of the greats. He also wants to be one of the guys, and I think that's really unique if you really think about it,” Daigneault said. “There [aren't] a lot of people that they aim that high and then put the horsepower of their work capacity behind that. He does. He wants to be great. He wants to be one of the greats. He aims as high as you can possibly aim, and he puts his work where his mouth is. There [are] guys that are like that, but sometimes it seems like they operate on a completely different spectrum than the rest of their team, and he's not like that at all.

“He also wants to be one of the guys. He just wants to operate like another member of the team. You see him walk around the building he doesn't walk around the building any different than anyone else. He wants to blend into the organization, blend into the team, the same way everybody else does, and I just think that balance is really unique,” Daigneault concluded.

Gilgeous-Alexander is in his sixth season with the Thunder.

Mark Daigneault on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ‘thoughtful' nature

Article Continues Below
More Thunder News
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault speaks at a press conference during an NBA Finals practice session ahead of Game 2 at Paycom Center with the Pacers logo in the background
Thunder’s Mark Daigneault hints at potential Game 2 lineup changeJosue Pavon ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the Pacers logo in the background and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault in the background
Thunder most to blame for shocking NBA Finals Game 1 collapse vs. PacersJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams (8) sits during an NBA Finals practice session ahead of Game 2.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams embracing pressure ahead of Game 2 vs. PacersJosh Davis ·
Thunder's Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thinking about NBA Finals trophy
How Thunder utilize ‘pressure’ from Pacers loss as ‘privilege’ before NBA Finals Game 2Brett Siegel ·
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts with forward Jalen Williams (8) in the second half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center
Why Mark Daigneault isn’t concerned over Chet Holmgren’s Game 1 strugglesJulian Ojeda ·
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies during game four for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was traded from the Clippers after his rookie season, while his head coach Mark Daigneault was gearing up for his first campaign. While discussing Gilgeous-Alexander's demeanor as the Thunder's leader, Daigneault also pointed to SGA's thoughtfulness during postgame pressers as he addressed the media.

Daigneault is impressed with how Gilgeous-Alexander conducts himself during media availability.

“When you talk to him and you ask him a question, he'll pause and think. He's like incredibly thoughtful,” Daignault said. “He gives your question the attention and the time that it deserves, and he's going to give you an answer that's thought out. And he's like that out here or in individual film.”

After sweeping the Grizzlies 4-0 in the opening round, Daigneault, Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Thunder will face either the Nuggets or the Clippers. Game 7 between the two teams is on Saturday.