Here’s a bold statement: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just have a great year—he had one of the most dominant and historic years any athlete could dream of. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is he already among the greatest basketball players of all time? Let’s dive in.
On Saturday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was crowned The Canadian Press' Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in his career, and it wasn’t even close. The Hamilton native didn’t just win—he dominated the voting, securing 89.3% of the votes. And this is the part most people miss: His achievements go far beyond the stats. Sure, he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second NBA championship in franchise history (and first since 1979), but he also snagged the NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and the league’s scoring title. That’s a trifecta only a handful of legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal have achieved.
Rowan Barrett, general manager of Canada’s men’s national basketball team, put it bluntly: ‘There’s zero debate now—he’s one of the best players in the world.’ Whether you love his game or not, the numbers don’t lie. Last season, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged a staggering 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game. This season? He’s doing it again, averaging 32.1 points, 6.5 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks. But here’s the real question: Can anyone stop him?
Gilgeous-Alexander, affectionately known as SGA, joins an elite group of 17 athletes who’ve won this award twice. Among them are hockey icons like Bobby Hull and Mario Lemieux, and tennis star Milos Raonic. The only other basketball player to achieve this? Hall of Famer Steve Nash, who won it three times. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: SGA is just the second Canadian to win NBA MVP, following in Nash’s footsteps.
Off the court, SGA’s impact is just as remarkable. Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic shared a telling story: ‘After a game in OKC, he spent 30 to 45 minutes signing autographs for 2,000 fans. You don’t see that every day.’ This humility and dedication have earned him the respect of fans, peers, and even rivals like Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, who said, ‘Every year he’s just gotten better and better. That’s a testament to who he is as a person.’
But here’s the controversial part: Is SGA’s success a product of his talent alone, or does it also reflect the Thunder’s stellar team chemistry? While he’s undoubtedly the leader, OKC’s 26-5 record this season suggests it’s a combination of both. Yet, some argue that his individual achievements—like his Game 7 double-double in the NBA Finals (29 points, 12 assists)—prove he’s a game-changer regardless of the lineup.
As we celebrate SGA’s historic year, let’s not forget the bigger picture. From leading Canada to its first-ever FIBA World Cup medal in 2023 to qualifying for the Olympics after a 24-year drought, he’s redefined what it means to be a global basketball icon. But here’s the final question for you: Where does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rank among the all-time greats? Is he already in the conversation, or does he need more time? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
