Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a standout athlete, secured a remarkable year filled with achievements. He clinched The Canadian Press’ Male Athlete of the Year title for the second time in his career, following a stellar performance that included winning the NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, the league’s scoring title, and steering the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second-ever championship since 1979. Rowan Barrett, the general manager of Canada’s men’s national basketball team, emphasized Gilgeous-Alexander’s undeniable status as one of the world’s top players.
In the voting process, Gilgeous-Alexander received an overwhelming 89.3% of the votes, surpassing contenders like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Evan Dunfee. Nicknamed SGA, he previously earned the CP’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2023 for his contributions to Canada’s success in international basketball competitions.
Standing tall at six-foot-six, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased impressive statistics in the previous season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, five rebounds, 1.7 steals, and one block per game. His stellar performance propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to claim the best regular-season record in the NBA’s Western Conference and secure victory in the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements extend beyond the court, as he became only the second Canadian to secure the NBA MVP honor, alongside Steve Nash. Additionally, he joined an elite group of four players, including basketball legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal, to capture both the MVP and Finals MVP titles in a single season.
Acknowledged for his exceptional performance on and off the court, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress in the ongoing season, maintaining MVP-level statistics with a 26-5 record for the Thunder. His dedication and character have garnered admiration from peers and fans alike, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier athlete and role model in the basketball community.