Police are currently investigating a break-in at a residence believed to be owned by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The incident occurred while the NBA star was participating in a game the previous night. Authorities in Nichols Hills, a suburb north of downtown Oklahoma City, are handling the case but have not disclosed the identity of the homeowner or details of the stolen items.
Originally hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Gilgeous-Alexander was not present at the property when officers responded to the burglary report around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday during the Thunder’s match against the Washington Wizards. The suspects had already fled the scene before the police arrived. Fortunately, there is no immediate threat to the public, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
This break-in is part of a series of similar incidents targeting prominent professional athletes in the United States. Athletes such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow, Luka Doncic, and Evgeni Malkin have fallen victim to burglaries, with thieves exploiting their absence during game days to ransack their homes. Law enforcement agencies have cautioned sports leagues about this trend, prompting the NBA to issue a memo in November 2024 advising players on enhancing home security measures.
The league’s recommendations include installing updated alarm systems with cameras, using secure safes for valuables, removing any online property listings displaying interior photos, hiring security services while away, and even employing guard dogs for added protection. These precautions aim to safeguard athletes and prevent further break-ins targeting high-profile individuals in the sports industry.