NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is known for his smooth moves on the court, but he’s also gaining attention for his sweet and sincere gestures off it. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, often recognized for his clever captions on social media, recently turned his creativity towards a special occasion — the birthday of his wife, Hailey Summers.
A Loving Birthday Tribute
On Tuesday, Gilgeous-Alexander took to Instagram Stories to honor his wife Hailey Summers on her special day. Keeping things simple yet heartfelt, the two-time NBA All-Star shared a series of photos of the couple, highlighting their journey together. The slideshow concluded with a message that perfectly captured his deep affection for her:
“HBD Love you forever and always,”
Shai wrote, adorning his words with several heart emojis to emphasize his love.
Who is Hailey Summers?
For those unfamiliar, Hailey Summers is not just the wife of a rising NBA superstar; she’s an accomplished athlete in her own right. Born on October 22, 1999, in Hamilton, Ontario, she spent her college years excelling as a defender for the University of Albany’s soccer team, the Great Danes. During her time on the team, Summers showcased her leadership and skills, appearing in 56 games and contributing to the team with three assists and one goal.
Summers’ athletic background undoubtedly resonates with Shai, creating a bond that is rooted not only in love but in mutual respect for each other’s careers.
From Engagement to Parenthood: A Year of Milestones
This birthday message comes after a whirlwind year for the couple, filled with life-changing moments. Shai and Hailey got engaged in June 2023 and tied the knot in February 2024, marking the beginning of their new chapter as husband and wife.
But that wasn’t the only significant milestone in their relationship. Earlier in the year, on April 25, Hailey gave birth to their first child, a baby boy named Ares, just as Shai was preparing for a high-stakes first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The couple’s relationship began long before Shai became an NBA sensation. Together since 2016, Hailey has been a constant source of support throughout Shai’s journey — from his early years in Canada to his standout performances in the NBA.
Shai’s Life as a New Father
Becoming a father has clearly been a transformative experience for Shai. As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepared for the upcoming season, the All-Star guard shared another touching post on Instagram featuring his son Ares. In the photo, Ares, dressed in a tiny Thunder No. 2 jersey, gazes up at his dad, with the words:
“Ares’ dad entering year 7”
as the caption.
Shai’s excitement for both his family and his career is palpable, balancing the demands of fatherhood while gearing up for yet another season of elite basketball.
Shai’s Stellar Season and OKC Thunder’s Bright Future
Coming off an incredible season where he was a finalist for NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a key figure in the Thunder’s ambitions to build on last season’s success. The dynamic guard averaged an impressive 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, leading the Thunder to clinch the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history.
With new additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, the Thunder are gearing up for an exciting season, aiming to finish even stronger. They’ll kick off the 2024-25 NBA season with tough road games against the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls, before facing the Atlanta Hawks in their first home game.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Instagram tribute may have been simple, but the depth of emotion behind it was unmistakable. His love for Hailey and pride in their shared life together are evident, making him not just a rising basketball star, but also a devoted husband and father. As Shai continues to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder on the court, it’s clear that his biggest wins might just be happening off the court with his family.
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