OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander calls having son, Ares, 'best thing in the world'

With the Thunder’s sweep of the Pelicans, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a well-timed, extended break to spend with his wife, Hailey, and their baby son, Ares.

Ares Alexander was born April 25 at 10:25 p.m. — the night before the Thunder traveled to New Orleans ahead of Game 3 in the first-round series.

The Thunder, coming off a week-long break, will host the Mavericks at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

SGA, like any new parent, is adjusting to a new routine.

“A lot kind of caters to the needs of him and Hailey, my wife,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But Hailey does a great job of still making sure I get my work in, making sure I have time to hoop. But outside of hoop, it’s all him.”

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Some Thunder fans read too deeply into the name Ares.

Ares, the Greek god of war, is the son of Zeus, the god of Thunder.

“We just liked the name Ares,” SGA said. “The god of war thing, it didn’t come into play. Sounds cool, though.”

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, the dad of two young kids himself, was asked if he had any parenting advice for Gilgeous-Alexander.

“They’re expensive. They take away all your time. They’re inconvenient. And then somehow it’s worth it,” Daigneault deadpanned. “But it doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

Gilgeous-Alexander was more sincere.

“It’s a different type of love,” he said. “It’s surreal. It’s hard to wrap your head around. But it’s for sure the best thing in the world, hands down.”

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says son Ares is 'best thing in the world'