As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander steps into his 7th NBA season, something has shifted. It’s not just his game, his evolving leadership, or the Oklahoma City Thunder’s increasing playoff potential—it’s his role off the court. Shai is now a father, and it’s changed everything.

The 26-year-old guard, who has been steadily climbing the ranks of NBA stardom, recently shared a poignant post on Instagram: “Ares’ dad entering year 7.” The message is simple yet powerful. Shai’s identity has evolved—he’s no longer just Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the electrifying scorer and playmaker. He’s Ares’s dad, a role that now fuels his dreams of greatness.

Becoming a father can reshape a person’s priorities, and for Shai, it seems to have given him a new sense of purpose. The goal? A championship ring or an MVP title. This season, with his son Ares as his ultimate motivation, Shai looks more determined than ever to reach that pinnacle.

After a breakout 2023-24 season, leading his team to the 1st seed in the Western Conference, expectations for Shai are higher than ever. With the Thunder’s young core, him and Chet Holmgren, this season promises to be an exciting one. And now, with fatherhood as his driving force, Shai’s hunger to finally secure his first NBA title or MVP award has never been stronger.

The future is bright for Ares’s dad—and so is the Thunder’s.