The future of Canadian basketball seems pretty bright right now, doesn't it? A couple of the youngins played each other for the first time in their respective NBA careers, and it was even more special because of their family connection.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are cousins, and after Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points to defeat Alexander-Walker’s Pelicans in their first professional matchup, the two shared a special moment after the game. (Whew, the names.)
Shai, drafted 11th overall by the Clippers last year, has taken on a starring role this year as one of the key pieces acquired by the Thunder in the Paul George trade. The season is young, but his average of 21.8 points per game definitely has him pegged as a star in the making.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker is in his rookie season after being picked 17th in this year’s draft. He doesn’t factor into the Pelicans’ rotation too much at this stage, only playing eight minutes off the bench against the Thunder, but the long-term expectations are high for him nonetheless after a strong preseason to begin his career.
These two will probably have a number of battles to come over the years, and we’re looking forward to it. Lump them into a young generation of Canadian-born ballers that also includes Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins and record 2019 draft class of prospects from the North including Nickeil and of course R.J. Barrett, and, well, you can definitely get a bit excited.
h/t Instagram/nba
