NBA ALL-STAR MEDIA DAY

February 18, 2023

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Media Day Press Conference

Q. I know this has been a dream, so now that it's a reality being here, just what's this been like for you?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: It's been fun so far. Soaking up the whole weekend, all the experiences. Here with friends and family. It's been really fun.

Q. Has there been anything about the experience that maybe was unexpected, the way things are set up, the locker room, the guys that you have been with?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: I didn't realize how nice of a city it was. It's really nice, the scenery around here. You can do a lot of things. And the people are friendly. I didn't realize how nice the city was.

Q. With you and Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams here, you are together in OKC. How great is it to have this representation?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Yeah, it feels good. I think having three guys here, it's pretty good for our future. It means we're headed in the right direction, on the right track.

As long as we continue to get better, we'll be good. I'm happy for those guys, and I'm happy for the team, for sure.

Q. Does this feel like a culmination of the work that you have put in?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Absolutely. Every summer I try to get better. Ultimately, it's one of the goals that I try to accomplish, and accomplishing that is a really good feeling. It kind of motivates me to do more and get more and take what I want.

Q. I talked (indiscernible) about how gradually you got to this point, but I asked them if there was one moment or memory that stood out when you really knew you were going to be special, and he said it was after the season was suspended and you came back. He said you were stronger, more physical, and he could tell that you really put in the work. Hearing that, can you tell us what those months were like for you and how you kind of attacked that time?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Yeah. I just used it as an offseason. Obviously, it was unexpected with the circumstances. I just wanted to make sure that I got better, and obviously, that team, I knew we were going to the playoffs and wanted to be ready for that. That's all it really was.

Q. Did you feel different once you came back and then had training camp and went to the bubble?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Absolutely. I got a few months to home in on my skills, work on my skills. Like you said, get stronger. I wanted to use the time productively and not waste it.

Q. A few players said that you are probably going to be the best dressed tonight. Do you have anything planned?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: I have a few more things planned, for sure. Will I be best dressed? We'll see. I'm aiming for it, though, for sure.

Q. When do you think of Josh's coat?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Fire coat. Really fire coat. Good outfit to start the weekend. He kicked it off right.

Q. Any player to play against you, who would you play?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Kobe, for sure. Without a question. The way they speak about his approach to the game, I would want to match up and see for myself.

Q. (On being an NBA All-Star from Canada.)

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: It's amazing. Obviously, making the NBA from Canada is one thing, and then being a really good player in the NBA and then making the All-Star Game is another.

To be with the group of guys that have (been All-Stars) -- I think it's Steve (Nash), Jamaal (Magloire) and Andrew (Wiggins) -- is an honor and a blessing, for sure.

Q. Jalen talked about how important it was for you to see them courtside (off microphone).

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: Those are like my brothers, above all. I want to support them. They're at a point in their career where support helps. I really just want to watch them play basketball. Usually I'm playing with them and I don't get to watch them, but I got to see brilliance last night, for sure.

Q. Outside of playing the game and watching (off microphone)?

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER: I think just enjoying the city and the Dunk Contest, 3-Point Contest with my family and friends. A lot of my people are here, people that have supported me through the whole journey, who have been with me through the whole journey, from when I was a kid to now. To share that moment with them is very special.