Thunder Star Honors Veteran Teammate Ahead of Historic Season Opener

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to raise their first championship banner on Opening Night, All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the time to honor a key figure from the franchise's past. Gilgeous-Alexander spoke highly of former Thunder center Serge Ibaka, who attended the team's practice ahead of the big game.

Ibaka played the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder, serving as the defensive anchor for a team led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook that reached the Finals in 2012. Gilgeous-Alexander, who grew up watching Ibaka's tenure in Oklahoma City, praised the veteran's impact on the team's success.

"He's a tremendous basketball player. He's obviously not one of the budding stars and household names, but he's a guy that affected winning at a really high level," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "You saw that when he was in Toronto and won a ring. You saw that when he was here."

With the Thunder set to celebrate their first championship on Opening Night, Gilgeous-Alexander's words serve as a fitting tribute to Ibaka's contributions to the franchise's history. As the team embarks on a new era, the young star's appreciation for the veteran's legacy underscores the continuity and tradition that the Thunder organization values.