Thunder Star Gilgeous-Alexander Says He’ll Retire When His Game Declines; Heat Add Steve Settle III; Hornets Release Ibou Badji
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Oklahoma City, OK — Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander told GQ Sports he will walk away from basketball once he feels his skills start to fade, ruling out a late-career farewell tour.
“I definitely think I can, I won’t though. A hundred percent,” the 27-year-old said when asked if he could play into his 40s. He cited family as the deciding factor, adding he does not want to miss large portions of his future children’s lives. “Once I figure out the best version of me and start going down, then it’s like, what am I playing for now? As soon as that happens, I’ll be on the first ship out.”
Heat
The Miami Heat have signed undrafted rookie forward Steve Settle III and waived guard Gabe Madsen, the team announced.
Settle, 22, averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and shot 41.6% from three last season at Temple. After appearing for Miami in Summer League, he is expected to join the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA G League, where he can earn up to $85,300 in Exhibit 10 bonuses.
Madsen, who rejoined Miami last week on an Exhibit 9 contract, played in two preseason games and averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 assists in limited minutes.
Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have waived 7-foot center Ibou Badji, the club confirmed.
Badji, 23, logged one preseason appearance for Charlotte. Last season with the Wisconsin Herd, he contributed 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and a league-leading 3.5 blocks per game, earning a spot on the NBA G League All-Defensive Team.
Greensboro Swarm acquired Badji’s G League rights in August, positioning the Senegal native to join the club if he clears waivers. A 60-day stay would make him eligible for an $85,300 bonus.
Source: Hoops Wire
