I want to do Shai’s 2025-26 exit interview after the Thunder’s home loss to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. I love Shai’s interviews because he takes the time to seriously consider the questions before he answers. There’s kind of a Kobeesque nature to Shai in this regard.
One thing I loved about this interview was Shai stating he can only wear the Shai Hat on this basketball team. He can’t wear the Sam Presti hat. He can’t wear the Coach Mark hat. He can’t wear J-Dub and Chet’s hats either. Those two are being paid plenty to bring their lunchpail to the office and wear their own hats.
I hope I’m clear on the above paragraph because I know the people on the Thunder telecast and Little Nick Gallo just don’t know how to speak in this type of manner.
Shai can only wear ONE HAT!
It’s a big hat because he’s the franchise player, but the other two max guys have to wear ‘their hats as well.’
I harped on this constantly in January, February, and March of last season to no avail.
Shai can’t carry the team on his back for all ’82’ and have enough gas left in the tank to deal with the Spurs and Wemby waiting for him in the neck of the Spurs’ defensive funnel in the NBA Playoffs.
I’m trying to get this out of my system in August so as I can focus on guys like Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, JWill-Ark, Brooks Barnhizer, and maybe even Thomas Sorber as their roles expand this coming season.
So… for the time being, I’ve gotten that off of my chest and next up for me is my 1-14 ranking of the Thunder’s current roster heading into the upcoming basketball season.
This will be my fifth NBA season since the Stage 4 diagnosis and I must say I’m thrilled to still be able to cover the Thunder and the entire NBA in my own manner on the Underground.
The Oklahoma heat has crossed the line of reason these past six weeks, but all we can do is provide the best versions of ourselves for the time being.
Love always.
MJ-Jonathon Livingston Yogananda.*
I think the above will eventually become my official Kriya yogic guru name when all is said and done. An explanantion will come sometime later.