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Selected together in the 2018 NBA Draft, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have had parallel journeys in the league, each making a mark with different franchises. Doncic has solidified his legacy with the Dallas Mavericks, while Gilgeous-Alexander has risen to become Oklahoma’s key player.
Recently, as the Slovenian sensation faced a sudden trade, the Canadian standout reflected on his own unexpected departure after his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
In response to the surprising news, the Thunder star recounted his own experience: “I learned that lesson the difficult way during my inaugural year in the NBA. I was traded suddenly, completely out of the blue. It caught me off guard. Therefore, this current situation doesn’t shock me any more than my own trade a while back,” he shared.
SGA on Luka’s trade: “I learned that lesson the difficult way during my inaugural year in the NBA. I was traded suddenly, completely out of the blue. It caught me off guard. Therefore, this current situation doesn’t shock me any more than my own trade a while back. I realized it was a business during my first season.”
He added, “That realization will always resonate with me. I often state that no matter how secure you believe you are, there’s always a chance of something happening like this. That’s the mindset I have, and I think it keeps me a bit sharper in ensuring I prioritize what’s needed to lead my current team.”
Throughout their time in the NBA, they have faced each other multiple times, including a notable clash in the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Slovenia battled Canada. Canada emerged victorious with a score of 100-89, driven by Shai’s impressive double-double of 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Luka Doncic contributed 26 points in defeat.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images
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