Thunder’s Alex Caruso calls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership ‘contagious’
The 2025-26 NBA regular season is less than two weeks away. Teams are still warming up for 82 games in the preseason. Entering the new season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were expected to win the Finals.
The Thunder are about to defeat the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. The Thunder return all key role players from the championship roster. That includes backup SG Alex Caruso. Recently, the two-time NBA champion was interviewed by Thunder reporter Nick Gallo. Caruso spoke highly of his MVP teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He mentioned how SGA’s leadership “infects” everyone on the roster.
Alex Caruso likes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s lack of complacency
Alex Caruso on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
“Shai works hard every day to fit in. He is the most competitive guy on our team, day in and day out.”
“There will be a few days in the middle of the season where we’ll train and everyone will be a little behind…
— Nick Gallo (@NickAGallo) October 8, 2025
Before the 2024-25 season, the Thunder traded with the Bulls to acquire Alex Caruso. In that trade, the Thunder sent Josh Guidy to Chicago. In his first season with the Thunder, Alex Caruso played in 54 games, including 3 starts. He averaged 19.3 minutes per game for the Thunder. The veteran shooting guard is a key depth piece for head coach Mark Daigneault heading into the 2025 playoffs.
Recently, Alex Caruso was interviewed by Thunder reporter Nick Gallo. Caruso mentioned the incredible work ethic of his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 31-year-old said SGA is “the most competitive person on our team day in and day out.” Furthermore, Caruso mentioned that Gilgeous-Alexander has not become complacent. Even though he just won the league MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA Finals in the same season.
Alex Caruso ready to win third ring back-to-back: ‘It’s addictive’ pic.twitter.com/h7BTQHfFlv
— OKC Thunder (@The_ThunderWire) October 9, 2025
Alex Caruso also told Nick Gallo that the SGA’s leadership is “contagious” to everyone on its roster. Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammates think the extra effort he puts in is great. Caruso said it was “really fun” to be a teammate at SGA. He mentioned that SGA was the type of leader he wanted to work with. Team chemistry plays a huge role in the NBA, and the Thunder have a lot of it.
Finally, Caruso said he sees “greatness” in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two-time NBA champion calls SGA a “promoting Hall of Famer.” SGA has continued to improve his game every year since he joined the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s mentality, skill set, athleticism and competitiveness are what separate him from everyone else. Can the Thunder defend their NBA title in 2025-26?
