Around the Globe: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander embraces starring role in OKC

Taking a look at standout international performers throughout the season.

Michael Duke, for NBA.com

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has welcomed the challenge of being Oklahoma City’s go-to guy this season.

“The best ability is availability” is an often-used phrase in sports. But during an NBA season that has seen teams recently scrambling to field rosters just to avoid postponements, that phrase rings true now more than ever.  

This week’s global roundup will look past box scores. With all of the roster changes happening throughout the league, factoring in the context behind a player’s performance is key in evaluating the performance itself. Tallying a triple-double is impressive, but doing it without several reliable teammates on the court strengthens the feat.

Some players have had to do more with less, and some have provided much-needed stability to their teams simply by being available on a consistent basis. All of it will be taken into account this week:

*All stats through Dec. 30

This week’s standout 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (Canada)

Stats over last 2 weeks: 26.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.5 apg

Relive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Week 10 performances that earned him Western Conference Player of the Week honors.

When the Thunder opted to dismantle Russell Westbrook and Paul George-led squad back in the summer of 2019, they passed the team’s baton to a thin, lanky guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had just one NBA season under his belt at the time. Demolishing a perennial playoff team was a big risk made by OKC in hopes for a big reward. That reward has yet to fully come in the form of wins, but with each passing game, Gilgeous-Alexander is making OKC’s front office look smarter and smarter for branding him the franchise centerpiece.

The Western Conference Player of the Week’s impact in Oklahoma City is undeniable. Prior to their Wednesday loss to the Phoenix Suns — a game Gilgeous-Alexander missed due to right ankle soreness — the Thunder had won four of their last six with him in the lineup. The dynamic guard’s consistent scoring and all-around play have been vital for a young OKC team still trying to establish an identity.

Other notables

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Cameroon)

Stats over last 2 weeks: 34.0 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.0 bpg

Joel Embiid had 36 points, four assists and 11 rebounds in a win vs. Toronto.

Embiid has scored 30 or more points in four of his last five games — all games the 76ers have won. Coincidence? Not likely. Philadelphia is 16-8 with Embiid in the lineup and 3-8 without him. It’s simple: The Sixers go as Embiid goes. The All-NBA center has missed just one game since clearing Health and Safety Protocols back on Nov. 27, and if that trend continues, expect Philly to keep climbing the Eastern Conference ladder.

Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls (Montenegro)

Stats over last 2 weeks: 18.5 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 2.3 bpg

How has Nikola Vucevic helped the Bulls succeed in 2021-22?

Many thought the Bulls were going to make the leap last season after acquiring Vucevic from the Orlando Magic at the trade deadline, but they stumbled to a disappointing 11th place finish in the East. However, the script has flipped this season, as the All-Star forward has done a nice job complimenting DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Vucevic’s steady scoring and rebounding have keyed Chicago, which has won six straight and sits atop the East.

Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (Serbia)

Stats over last 2 weeks: 22.0 ppg, 15.8 rpg, 5.6 apg

Nikola Jokic has been helping Denver stay above .500 despite its injury woes.

Nikola Jokic is a master of many things — scoring, rebounding, playmaking. Despite numerous serious injuries to key players and a myriad of lineup changes, the Nuggets are keeping pace in the West due to Jokic’s otherworldly play. Through 28 games, “The Joker” has scored 25 or more points in 16 of them, and has tallied at least 10 rebounds and five assists in all but four outings.

Shooting star 

Kristaps Porzingis, Dallas Mavericks (Latvia) 

Stats over last 2 weeks: 24.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg

Kristaps Porzingis went for a season-high 34 points in Portland on Tuesday.

Wins have been hard to come by for the Mavs lately as they’ve lost five of their last six games to fall to 16-18. Despite the recent tough stretch, Porzingis has been doing his best to fill the lead role in place of Luka Doncic, who entered Health and Safety Protocols on Dec. 22. If it wasn’t for Sacramento’s Chimezie Metu’s game-winning shot on Wednesday, Porzingis would’ve led Dallas to a gritty road win. One game prior to that, the former All-Star dropped a season-high 34 points in a convincing 132-117 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Rookie spotlight  

Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic (Germany) 

Stats over last 2 weeks: 22.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 45.0 FG%

Franz Wagner erupted for a career-best 38 points against Milwaukee on Monday.

If you’ve taken a peak at the latest Kia Rookie Ladder, you probably noticed a new face occupying the top spot. Wagner’s surge up the rookie rankings was nearly as explosive as his career-best 38-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. The impressive scoring barrage helped the No. 8 overall pick pull even with Toronto’s Scottie Barnes for 1st among rookie scorers at 15.6 ppg. Wagner has also proven to be very reliable for the Magic, appearing in all 36 of their games.

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