Paul Pierce admits Kobe Bryant’s ‘crazy’ attitude against Shai Giljus-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has drawn comparisons to the Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant from another Hall of Famer, Paul Pierce. Gilgeous-Alexander is on a mission to surpass Bryant. He revealed his vision after leading the Thunder to their first championship in franchise history last season, as Shai isn’t satisfied with just one title.

Pierce he admits that he saw it Bryant’s game in the Gilgeous-Alexander approach.

“He’s like Kobe, kid. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s just like — he’s shifty, he gets to that midrange. He’s got footwork, pump fakes,” Pierce said. “Man, I’m telling you – Kobe.”

Paul Pierce, who faced Bryant and the Lakers in two NBA Finals series between 2008 and 2010, speaks volumes about how similar Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive attack is to Kobe’s. There isn’t a spot on the floor where Gilgeous-Alexander’s offense struggles, making him as tough a cover as Bryant has been throughout his 20-year career.

Much like Kobe Bryant, who retired at age 37, Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t plan to play past 40but he still has goals to win more championships, which would have to happen for SGA to have a better career than Bryant. Gilgeous-Alexander discovered his goal to be one of the NBA’s all-time greats, according to GK’s Yang-Yi Goh.

“I choose basketball to be the best. If you ask me if I want to be better than Kobe, of course I do,” says Shai. “Whether I get there or not, we’ll find out.”

Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plans to retire before age 40

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 27, has a bright future ahead of him as a three-time All-Star, defending champion and reigning league MVP. As he leads the Thunder’s young core with All-Stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, both entering their fourth seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander sees the potential to win more titles.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t see his career extending beyond the next 12 years, as playing into his 40s is not part of his plan. Gilgeous-Alexander wants to be around her son, who will be in his teens by then, more.

“I’m not going to miss that much of my child’s life,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’m not going to be away and miss his first basketball game every year, his first football game, soccer game, piano lesson, chess lesson, whatever it is.”

In the 2025-26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to become the first back-to-back NBA champions since the 2018 Warriors.