Who Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Cousin in the NBA?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become the talk of the NBA following a monumental season. He’s delivered MVP-level performances all season, keeping him firmly in the running for the league’s highest individual honor.

His team, the OKC Thunder, are firmly in contention for an NBA Finals appearance. Surprisingly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is also facing a family member while playing in the Western Conference Semifinals. This piece explores how a close personal bond has briefly turned into an on-court rivalry.

Are Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker Cousins?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s OKC Thunder are currently facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Interestingly, SGA is facing off against his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, in the series. The two grew up side by side in Canada, sharing the same courts and childhood dreams. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have a gap of just 52 days from each other’s birth.

Also Read: 2025 NBA Finals Winner Betting Odds – OKC Thunder Favorites to Win the NBA Finals, Pacers the Biggest Underdogs!

What Team Does NAW Play for?

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, like his cousin SGA, is also a basketball player. It’s clear the Alexander family has basketball in its DNA. Nickeil Alexander-Walker plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He made his league debut in 2019 as Brooklyn Nets picked him through their 17th overall pick.

Before joining the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023, Nickeil Alexander-Walker also had stints at the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz. The 26-year-old plays as a shooting guard and has so far averaged 9.4 Points, 3.2 Rebounds, and 2.7 Assists this season.

What Current NBA Players are Cousins?

The NBA is filled with players that have familial ties with each other. Popular Sibling ones include the Curry brothers – Steph Curry and Seth Curry. Steph Curry plays for the Golden State Warriors and has redefined the game itself. While Seth Curry plays for the Charlotte Hornets as a shooting guard.

Ball Brothers – Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball have also each made a name for themselves in the basketball arena. LaMelo Ball plays for the Charlotte Hornets as a point guard while Lonzo Ball plays for the Chicago Bulls as a shooting guard. Both the brothers are in their prime and have a long way to go in the NBA.

Jaden McDaniels, currently playing for the Timberwolves, has a brother, Jalen McDaniels, who suits up for the Charlotte Hornets. While duo siblings are not very rare, trio siblings are. Holiday family has three active NBA Players. Jrue Holiday plays for the Boston Celtics, while Aaron Holiday is on contract with the Houston Rockets. Their sibling Justin Holiday was previously playing in the NBA but has now moved to Europe and plays for Virtus Bologna.

Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings and Kris Murray of Portland Trail Blazers are also brothers. The Antetokounmpo trio is also quite popular with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the Milwaukee Bucks side. His sibling Thanasis Antetokounmpo also plays for the Milwaukee based franchise. While Kostas Antetokounmpo used to play for the Lakers but now plays in Spain.