Oklahoma City Thunder rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appears to be returning to action soon. SGA has been sidelined for the past three games due to a knee sprain, but according to Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, the 22-year-old won't be out for very long.
Daigneault already ruled Gilgeous-Alexander out for Tuesday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers, but also declared that the 6-foot-5 combo guard is nearing a much-awaited return:
Mark Daigneault says SGA is still out tomorrow: “But you’ll see him soon. He’s really close.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 15, 2021
SGA's next chance to suit up for Oklahoma City would be on Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzles. That contest will mark a three-game road spell for the Thunder, and it would be surprising if Gilgeous-Alexander does not travel with the team for that stint.
Article Continues BelowSGA has been nothing short of outstanding for OKC in what has been a breakout year for the former 11th overall pick. In 21 appearances for his team thus far, Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up averages of 22.6 points (on 50.6 percent shooting), 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, while also connecting on 1.9 triples per game on a 38.2-percent clip.
For his part, coach Daigneault has been so impressed with his young star that he believes SGA deserves a spot in the All-Star squad:
Daigneault on SGA being an All Star:
“He’s playing like an All Star. He looks like an All Star. All I know is, I coach the Thunder and a lot of nights I walk off the floor and think he’s the best player on the court.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 15, 2021
For what it's worth, Gilgeous-Alexander was part of the Top 10 vote-getters among Western Conference guards in the first batch of fans' votes returns. He ranked ninth in the West with 99,286 votes. However, SGA was ousted out of the list in the second batch of vote returns, with Los Angeles Lakers cult favorite Alex Caruso forcing his way into the Top 10.