OKC Thunder's Mark Daigneault Can't Ask Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Become Everyone

The Oklahoma City Thunder have always celebrated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to become whatever a game requires. Their current injury crisis, however, is creating a dangerous version of that compliment. Oklahoma City is asking its superstar to become everyone at once.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in Friday's 113-112 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, yet his expanded responsibility extends beyond carrying the offense. Mark Daigneault explained after the game that certain depleted lineups require Gilgeous-Alexander to defend more at the point of attack instead of moving around defensively. That adjustment might sound minor, but it changes the physical price he must pay before creating nearly everything on the other end.

The Thunder cannot reasonably expect Gilgeous-Alexander to score 40, organize an inexperienced rotation, rescue broken possessions and absorb difficult defensive assignments. He is capable of doing all of it for stretches. Making that his nightly job would turn his versatility into an excuse for everyone else to provide less.

This is where Oklahoma City's adversity must produce more than encouraging performances in defeat. Nique Clifford, Bennett Stirtz, Jared McCain and the other available guards must learn how to protect Gilgeous-Alexander, not merely benefit from the attention he attracts. McCain's seven three-pointers against Los Angeles represented an offensive response. The next step is building enough collective defensive resistance that Gilgeous-Alexander does not have to solve both ends by himself.

There is value in allowing a superstar to stretch his game. Gilgeous-Alexander could emerge from this period as a more complete leader, especially after learning how to direct lineups that lack Oklahoma City's usual talent and continuity. Still, development should not require unnecessary exhaustion. The Thunder's pursuit of another championship matters considerably more than proving their MVP can survive every regular-season burden.

Oklahoma City knows reinforcements will eventually change the equation. Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will restore defense, creation and lineup flexibility when/if they return. Until then, Daigneault must distinguish between challenging Gilgeous-Alexander and overloading him.

The Thunder's recent losses have produced plenty of discussion about missing players, inconsistent shooting and inexperienced replacements. The quieter concern is the amount of invisible work being transferred onto Gilgeous-Alexander. His scoring totals will make everything appear manageable, even when his assignment is becoming unreasonable.

Oklahoma City should appreciate every responsibility its superstar accepts. It should also recognize that protecting Gilgeous-Alexander from having to become an entire lineup might be the most important responsibility anyone else carries right now.