Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the prominent player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has not only been making headlines on the basketball court but also making waves as a dedicated father to his son, Ares. Born in 2024, Ares has already captured the hearts of many with his adorable appearances alongside his father and mother, Hailey Summers. Shai’s recent NBA championship win has further solidified his place in the league’s elite, with his family by his side, cheering him on every step of the way.
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In a heartwarming reflection, Shai expressed how fatherhood has grounded him and given him a new perspective on life. He shared in a postgame interview, “The best thing about that moment is that he has no clue what’s going on and he’s just happy to see me. He’s showed me everything that actually matters in life.” The NBA star even hinted at a possible early retirement to prioritise spending time with his son and not missing out on important milestones in Ares’ life.
Ares made his grand entrance into the world on April 25, 2024, just a day before the Oklahoma City Thunder headed to the playoffs. Despite the demands of his basketball career, Shai has embraced the challenges of balancing fatherhood with his professional commitments. The couple chose the name Ares for their son, with no intentional connection to the mythological god of war. Shai has described the experience of fatherhood as surreal and the best thing in the world, highlighting the unconditional love he feels for his son.
Hailey Summers, Shai’s wife and Ares’ mother, has been an integral part of their family dynamic. A former soccer player herself, Hailey has witnessed Shai’s transformation into a devoted father. She shared, “Now that we have Ares, he’s like, ‘I can’t wait for this break. What’s the plan? Let’s do something!’ He just really enjoys being a dad.” This glimpse into their family life showcases a beautiful bond between Shai, Hailey, and Ares, filled with love and joy.
To celebrate Ares’ first birthday, Shai and Hailey hosted a cowboy-themed party, “Ares’ First Rodeo,” which was attended by Shai’s teammates and friends. The event was a fun-filled affair with guests donning Western attire and Ares stealing the show in his fringed shirt. The young toddler almost caused a mishap during a post-championship photoshoot when he reached for the MVP trophy, demonstrating his curious and playful nature.
Ares is already displaying signs of basketball talent, mirroring his father’s passion for the game. During a game in the 2025 Western Conference Finals, Ares captured attention as he playfully interacted with a basketball on the court, showing early interest and potential in following in his father’s footsteps. Shai has even integrated Ares into his workouts, showcasing their bond both on and off the court.
As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel in his basketball career, his role as a dedicated father to Ares remains a top priority. The heartwarming moments shared between Shai, Hailey, and Ares paint a picture of a loving and close-knit family, navigating the joys of parenthood alongside the demands of a professional sporting career. With Ares already carving his path in the world of basketball, the Gilgeous-Alexander family’s journey is one to follow with admiration and delight.