SALT LAKE CITY, Utah | In one word, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, star of the Oklahoma City Thunder, chose “intense” to describe his Quebec teammate Luguentz Dort.
• Read also: A unique gathering as part of the NBA All-Star Game
• Read also: Mathurin’s impact
• Read also: Diamond preferred basketball
“He’s intense as a player, but it’s the opposite off the pitch,” said the colorful Gilgeous-Alexander immediately, smiling.
The Toronto native, who represented the Thunder at the NBA All-Star Game, honored his flamboyant personality by appearing in front of reporters with an imposing fur coat, as well as a Louis Vuitton suitcase, after Sunday’s meeting .
More seriously, Gilgeous-Alexander has shown his appreciation for the one he simply calls “Lu”.
“Off the field, he’s a wonderful guy,” he said of the 23-year-old from Montreal North. It’s nice to be with him. He’s one of my best friends on the team. »
“Pillar in defense”
Gilgeous-Alexander also explained why Dort’s intensity on the pitch is first and foremost what characterizes him.
“He will do everything to win, noted the Torontonian. He is a defensive pillar for us, he is an important player for the club. »
Few Canadians
If Dort recovers his share of rebounds and gets one steal per game, it should be noted that he also maintains an interesting average of 14 points per game this season. Gilgeous-Alexander is obviously the one trailing the team with his 30.8 points per game.
Thanks to his performance, the Torontonian has also become, over the recent weekend, only the fourth player from Canada to be chosen for the NBA All-Star Game, after Steve Nash (eight selections), Jamaal Magloire and Andrew Wiggins.
“Basketball in Canada is just starting to shine,” he commented. It’s just the beginning and I’m excited about it. »
It remains to be seen if a first Quebecer will one day be selected for the big star game. Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers has already taken a step in the right direction by appearing in the recent Rising Stars game.
Incidentally, there was “absolutely nothing” in the Louis Vuitton suitcase that Gilgeous-Alexander was carrying around. It was for looks!