Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Cutting His Braids Off For Canadian National Team Camp Stuns Social Media – “He Got No Aura Now”

After a historic 2024-25 campaign, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was looking to repeat it all once again this year. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma City Thunder fell short in the playoffs.

While he has not played in the NBA since Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, he made his return on the international stage. SGA has kept a low profile since the NBA season ended, but his latest look caught a lot of eyes.

During a practice session, SGA was seen in a new hairstyle. He cut off his signature braids for a low-cut style. The Thunder star kept his signature braids and cornrows for years.

SGA really cut the braids 👀 pic.twitter.com/KFkyrjaATk

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is known for his unique fashion choices. He is often seen trying out new attire and making headlines for his clothing when making his entry for NBA games.

The two-time MVP has faced a lot of criticism for his flopping over the last two years. While he has received support after their Game 7 loss in the WCF from Thunder GM Sam Presti, it has not stopped the criticism.

SGA put in a solid performance for Canada in his first game since his WCF exit in May. Canada hosted Puerto Rico in their FIBA World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Their point guard led the way with 26 points to go along with four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. His performance gave Canada the win and helped them secure top place in Group B. It was a convincing victory for the hosts as they recorded a 110-84 win over Puerto Rico. The win gave Canada a perfect 5-0 record in their group.

Fans react to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s new hairstyle

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is often seen with different clothing, but this time he captured eyeballs for his new hairstyle. It looks like SGA put his disappointing postseason performance behind him and went for a new look.

His look did not take long to go viral across social media. Fans took to the internet to react to the former champion’s new look.

He needs his dreads back he got no aura now

— ⁷⁷ 🪄 (@NotLikeLuka) July 3, 2026

I thought this was Centel for a second, bruh he’s just wearing a durag/wavecap.

— CLP (@coldlikepizza) July 4, 2026

Why would he even do that
His braids matches his game play so much

— DaMosh⌚️🇵🇹 (@DamoshPP) July 3, 2026

he rewrote his hair in rust for memory safety

— Sam Yam (@samyamrice) July 4, 2026

now all he gotta do is cut the flopping pic.twitter.com/FKaZ2p0xdb

— Nostalgia (@itsalltwin) July 4, 2026

Yeah, SGA said he just wanted to try something new for the summer, clean low cut looking sharp tho 👀

— Lobo Ca$hFlow (@lobocashflow) July 4, 2026

definitely had more swag with the locs but he had to make a business decision 🫡

— sales technician (@marrakeshrio) July 3, 2026

cutting off the braids is a declaration of war, not a haircut

— Sofia 🌻 (@soph7950) July 4, 2026

Fans were surprised to see SGA give up on a look he has had for so many years. At the same time, several fans believe he was looking for a new start and is looking sharp.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named ‘Canada’s national treasure’ by coach

There is no doubt that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will go down as the greatest Canadian player to ever play basketball. Canada has produced some great players such as Steve Nash, Jamal Murray and more. However, SGA’s meteoric rise over the last three years has placed him in a league of his own. He has won consecutive MVPs, one scoring title, one Finals MVP, and a championship.

Canada’s head coach Gordie Herbert praised his star player and labeled him as “Canada’s national treasure”.

I call him Canada’s national treasure. Better person than a player. I think that tells you what person he is.

Gordie Herbert on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Canada head coach Gordie Herbert on SGA: "I call him Canada's national treasure. Better person than a player. I think that tells you what person he is."

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 4, 2026

It is good to see SGA committed to playing for his country. He will have his eyes set on the FIBA World Cup scheduled to take place next year.

Also Read:

• Ex-NFL Stars Support Jaylen Brown’s Rant Against Colin Cowherd & Stephen A. Smith’s Use of ‘Anonymous Sources’
• Jaylen Brown Reveals His Honest Reaction to Blockbuster Trade: “Boston Packed Me Up”