Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault announced in Wednesday’s post-practice presser that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is back and set to return for Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
Gilgeous-Alexander suffered an ankle sprain in late January in a game against the Indiana Pacers and was set to be re-evaluated following the All-Star Break. With that time finally here, Gilgeous-Alexander is set to return from his 10-game absence.
Daigneault mentioned that guys like Lu Dort, Josh Giddey and Tre Mann made progress during Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence due to heavier offensive responsibilities and says that the team will need to find a way to figure out how to incorporate him back without disrupting that progress. Daigneault also said that he is optimistic things will work out due to Gilgeous-Alexander’s willingness to do whatever to takes to win.
“The challenge is now making sure, as he comes back, it’s additive,” said Daigneault. “If you want to be a good team you have to have top end talent. And Shai wants to win. He wants to roll his sleeves up and help build it.”
Gilgeous-Alexander is currently averaging 22.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 43 games this season.
