Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explains viral haircut: 'I'd figure I'd try something new'

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Welcome to the short-hair club, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Playing for the first time since the Oklahoma City Thunder fell in a Game 7 loss in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, the NBA superstar debuted a new look. He ditched the braids and opted for a textbook buzz cut.

Gilgeous-Alexander helped Canada pick up an 110-84 win over Puerto Rico in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifier. He had a stress-free 26 points that looked too easy. He reminded folks why he's been a walking 30-point machine over the last five years.

That's all cool and dandy, but Gilgeous-Alexander's new look went viral on social media. The 27-year-old had short hair for the first time in his NBA career. Even Jalen Williams joined in on the fun. He took to Instagram to put a bald filter on his face to say he'll jokingly join his teammate in the new-look trend.

Some have hypothesized that the new look is supposed to symbolize Gilgeous-Alexander flipping the page of his Hall-of-Fame career. The two-time MVP winner has one championship ring on his hand. He hopes to add more jewelry as he remains at the peak of his powers.

"I'd figure I'd try something new," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Nothing more than that."

Gilgeous-Alexander answered with a sly smile across his face. Sunglasses blocked us from seeing any facial expressions, as his eyes were covered. Amid an offseason filled with roster changes, the Thunder hope the cast of new characters could help them keep their championship window wide open for the rest of the decade and then some.

Of course, none of this matters without Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC's championship ambitions start and stop with him. He's ascended into one of the game's all-time greats. And as he helps Canada clinch a spot for the next two summers' FIBA World Cup and the Olympics, his scoring domination seamlessly translating over to the international scene is the latest reminder of that.

A new look for SGA: pic.twitter.com/fA9E0hQtg9

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 3, 2026

Jalen Williams on SGA’s haircut lmao pic.twitter.com/1ZvwzZ8LTk

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 4, 2026

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explains viral haircut: 'I'd figure I'd try something new'

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