BREAKING NEWS: Oklahoma City – The NBA Community Overjoyed as Oklahoma Manager Craig Freeman Announces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the New Face of the Franchise
In a stunning but widely celebrated announcement, Oklahoma City Manager Craig Freeman confirmed today that NBA All-Star and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will officially be recognized as the new face of the franchise for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Speaking at a press conference at Paycom Center, Freeman addressed fans and media with excitement and optimism.
“Today marks a new era in Thunder basketball. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not only one of the league’s brightest stars—he embodies the spirit, work ethic, and leadership that define Oklahoma City,” said Freeman. “We’re proud to build our future around him.”
The announcement, though not entirely unexpected given Gilgeous-Alexander’s meteoric rise over the past two seasons, still sent waves of joy throughout the NBA community. Shai, known affectionately as SGA, has become a dominant force in the league, averaging 30.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds during the 2024–2025 season, leading the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in over a decade.
Fans took to social media to express their excitement, with hashtags like #SGAFranchisePlayer and #ThunderUp trending within minutes.
NBA legends and current stars also chimed in with praise. Former Thunder superstar Kevin Durant posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Shai deserves this. Real hoopers know what he’s doing in OKC is special. Future is bright.”
With a young and talented roster surrounding him—including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey—SGA’s leadership is expected to usher in a new golden era for the Thunder.
“This city believed in me from day one,” said Gilgeous-Alexander in a heartfelt statement. “Being named the face of the franchise isn’t just an honor—it’s a responsibility. And I’m ready.”
