Jun 24, 2025; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, center, holds up a heart shape with his hands for fans during the Oklahoma City Thunder Champions parade. Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'You Think Shai Didn’t Practice?' – Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Receives Massive Compliment From Former MVP

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 11:24 AM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently received praise from Allen Iverson, as the Hall of Fame guard used him as an example during his talk with a group of young ballers in The No Fluke’s Foundation.

Iverson called Gilgeous-Alexander the best player in the world and said that the Oklahoma City Thunder guard managed to reach that level through discipline and lots of practice.

“All-Star. All-NBA. Hall of Famer. Top 75 of all-time. You think I didn’t practice? So, if I didn’t, that just shows you how good I was, if I didn’t practice,” Iverson said.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams' 1 Wild Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Take Will Trigger Violent Reactions Among NBA Fans 5 Mar 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“So, obviously, I did. It was overblown. It was funny. People say it nowadays, but I swear you have to. You have to practice to become whatever you’re trying to become in life. You (think) Shai didn’t practice to become the MVP, best player in the world? You have to practice.”

Oklahoma City Thunder labeled as “most resilient champions” by mayor

Mayor David Holt highlighted the Oklahoma City Thunder’s resiliency during their NBA championship run, as the team went through adversity this year, including Jalen Williams’ wrist injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 40-Point Game Leds Team Past the Lakers 1 Apr 2, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“One thing I hope that this team is remembered for in NBA’s history is its remarkable resilience during its championship run,” Holt posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). “And I’m not sure the full nature of that resilience has ever been properly explained.

“The Thunder championship run was gut-wrenching. It was exhausting for fans,” he added. “After staring at the game results for a month, I think I can explain more clearly why you felt that way, and why this title run was, in fact, unique in NBA history. Our Thunder faced deficits in series to a degree that I believe may be unprecedented for an eventual champion.”