Shai Gilgeous-Alexander override SLAM 254

SLAM: You are currently the leader in winning MVP this season – according to media and other odds based on Vegas.

SGA: This is another blessing. So many things [happened] Since then, I have arrived here. Some of them are luck, some of them are helping hands, and some of them are hard work. Many celebrities have to be consistent and things are lucky for me. Feels great. Apparently, January did not win any victory. But to recognize the level of winning of my team, this is clearly moving in the right direction. I haven't achieved anything yet, so I'm not satisfied. I have a lot to do. Work will not stop. But yes, I definitely took the right path.

SLAM: Anthony Edwards recently commented that you are a clear MVP this season and should be an MVP last season. How would other star players give you this kind of praise?
SGA: Your peers do this at a high level. They understand the grinding needed, and they understand the daily life. No one knows more than they do. For me, they have the biggest opinions because they do exactly the same thing I do on the same level and understand what it needs. So it's a good feeling.

SLAM: Do you agree with the assertion he should have won last year?

SGA: Well, I don't care [not winning it last year] a lot of. This is beyond my control. I can't control the votes. I'm trying to give all of my last year, trying to be my own best version. I think this is not enough. So my mindset in the summer is trying to make sure this year is enough.

SLAM: Some people compare you online to Allen Iverson. Have you seen these comparisons?

SGA: I haven't heard of this yet, but I try not to go into social media and search through social media throughout the season. But it's also an amazing feeling. Allen Iverson is like my favorite basketball player growing up – the reason why I wore a headband when I was a kid, and that's why I started playing basketball. So, it's a cool feeling. What he does for the game, culture in court and off the court – second to none. So this is cool.

SLAM: Did you learn his games when you grew up?

SGA: I never really studied his game most of the time, just because I was young and I just didn't study [yet]. I just looked at the fans. But what is about him is his highest confidence. On the court, he played the same way. His confidence never wavered. Good shot, bad shot. He has four consecutively and five consecutively. He always beats the same way. effort. Off the field, he was obviously confident in his fashion. His stolen goods. One story that always bothers me is that he fits in fines. This is always something that stands out to me. He always makes sure he did it and then he swayed.

SLAM: You mentioned that there are more to be done. What is that target list?

SGA: My biggest thing is that I just want to win the championship. That's why you play games. When I was in the ninth grade and tried for the team, I wanted to win the city championship. I always just want to win, it's the largest and highest basketball stage in the world. That's my main focus. All I really care about is. If I got that day one day, I would be fine.

SLAM: You were cut in the ninth-grade joint venture team; has this affected the way you pursue basketball?

SGA: I use it as motivation. I never get angry or displeased with it, or how I feel about it. I just accepted it, I wasn't good enough. I thought I was good enough; obviously I wasn't. I want to make sure I don't feel that anymore. And I think I'm doing a great job in this.