How a 2-time MVP helped shape Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's NBA journey

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during a timeout in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

On his way to NBA superstardom, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to go through an unconventional route. He didn't speed through the freeway. Instead, he took a couple of right turns and a few left turns on bumpy backroads. One person who was at his corner was enough to help him continue.

Ahead of their Round 2 series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed Steve Nash always had his back. All the way back to his high school days — when he wasn't necessarily a highly-touted recruit before he landed at Kentucky.

Gilgeous-Alexander eventually did enough in his sole collegiate season to land No. 11 in the 2018 NBA draft. From there, it would take four NBA seasons for him to become a household name. Within the blink of an eye, though, he went from a first-time All-Star to probable back-to-back MVP winner, sharing the same sentences as Michael Jordan and Bryant.