OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers are now set to take on pivotal roles in the NBA Finals, a stage many doubted they would reach.
Reflecting on his journey, Gilgeous-Alexander shared, “It’s been a roller coaster. I had moments when I doubted my abilities and times when I felt on top of the world. Staying grounded helped me improve significantly.” This progression has led Gilgeous-Alexander to become the mainstay of the Thunder, despite being cut from his junior varsity team in ninth grade and spending time on the bench during the early months at Kentucky. Not a top-10 draft pick, he was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers post his rookie year but has emerged as a key player.
Similarly, Haliburton has carved a unique path. Although he now ranks as a beloved figure in Indiana, major college programs overlooked him until his senior year at Oshkosh North High School in Wisconsin. Guided towards lesser-known programs, he received a scholarship from Iowa State. Not an immediate NBA standout, he was also traded from the Sacramento Kings by his third season.
Grateful for the belief placed in him, Haliburton expressed, “This franchise took a chance on me, recognizing potential I initially didn’t see in myself.” Despite not being household names like LeBron James or Stephen Curry, Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton are the driving forces for their teams as the Finals commence in Oklahoma City.
Gilgeous-Alexander, this year’s NBA MVP, propelled himself into the spotlight by leading the league with an impressive 32.7 points per game during the regular season. His presence is a far cry from his early days in Canada or his initial period with a struggling Thunder team a few years back. Remembering his journey upon receiving the MVP honor, he reflected, “Everything — from being cut, traded, and underestimated, to the joys and life lessons — has shaped me.”
Haliburton, having played two seasons at Iowa State, declared for the draft despite a wrist injury. Setbacks persisted as he was traded from Sacramento but persevered with the Pacers. Missing the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, Haliburton has now helped Indiana reach the Finals, overcoming his critic’s remarks about overrated status.
Recording an average of 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in the postseason, his performance speaks volumes. Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams highlighted, “His confidence makes him formidable. Overcoming negative perceptions to perform as he does is commendable.” Their ascent charts an engaging narrative as both prepare for an enthralling Finals backcourt battle.