Former Kentucky Wildcat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just completed one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring seasons in NBA history, etching his name into the pantheon of modern greats with a year that was equal parts dominance, elegance, and growth. From his breakout moments in Oklahoma City to becoming a legitimate MVP frontrunner, Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise has been one of the most poetic success stories in recent memory. But this past season? It was something different. It wasn’t just about being good. It was about being transcendent. It was about leading, scoring, defending, creating, and inspiring. It was about proving he belongs among the elite. And most of all, it was about doing it all with a unique flair that has redefined what it means to be a superstar in today’s game.
The numbers alone were staggering. Averaging over 30 points per game while maintaining elite efficiency, Shai joined the rare company of the league’s most versatile scorers. He became only the third player in the last two decades to average 30+ points, 5+ assists, and 1.5+ steals while shooting over 50% from the field in a single season—joining names like LeBron James and Michael Jordan in that elite category. He didn’t rely on brute force or high-volume threes; instead, he broke down defenses with an uncanny ability to get to his spots, an elite midrange game, and an evolving perimeter shot that kept defenders on their heels. His footwork was clinical, his pacing mesmerizing. It’s not often you see a player control a game with such fluidity—slithering through defenders, floating in the air for hanging layups, or draining tough fadeaways with the game on the line.
But Shai’s greatness went beyond the stats. Night after night, he was the heart and soul of an Oklahoma City Thunder team that stunned the NBA world by finishing near the top of the Western Conference standings. At just 25 years old, he was the veteran leader of a youthful squad that many projected as a fringe playoff contender. Instead, they shattered expectations—largely because their superstar never let the moment become too big. He delivered in the clutch, took on the toughest defensive assignments, and rarely had an off night. His consistency was staggering. Over the course of the season, Gilgeous-Alexander scored at least 30 points in more than half of his appearances, rarely forcing the issue and always playing within the flow of the game.
His defense, often overlooked in prior seasons, made a seismic leap this year. He ranked near the top of the league in steals and deflections, showing a commitment to both ends of the floor that earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team. That’s right—Shai wasn’t just one of the league’s best scorers; he was also one of its most disruptive perimeter defenders. Whether it was sliding his feet to stay in front of explosive guards, getting his hands into passing lanes, or rotating smartly off the ball, his defensive presence added a new dimension to an already lethal game.
Off the court, Gilgeous-Alexander continued to embody the qualities of a franchise cornerstone. Poised, soft-spoken, but fiercely competitive, he handled his ever-growing spotlight with humility and grace. He credited his coaches, teammates, and the organization for their belief in him, but those who watched knew the truth: this was his team. His journey from being a late bloomer in high school, to a one-and-done at Kentucky, to the Clippers’ draft-night trade that sent him to Oklahoma City, is now part of NBA lore. Each chapter built upon the last, but this season felt like the culmination of every lesson learned, every criticism silenced, every doubt erased.
His leadership was never louder than in the biggest moments. When the Thunder went on a critical road stretch in late March, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered three straight 35+ point games, including a game-winner against Denver that turned the tide of their season. When they faced playoff-caliber defenses trying to throw traps and double teams at him, he adapted, calmly finding open teammates or slicing through the pressure with a veteran’s composure. His basketball IQ was off the charts, but more than that, his willingness to trust the system and elevate those around him proved infectious.
Even when the MVP race heated up late in the season—featuring names like Nikola Jokic, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum—Shai remained firmly in the mix. While the award ultimately went elsewhere, his top-three finish was a validation of everything he had built. In a league overflowing with offensive talent, it was Gilgeous-Alexander who often set the tone with a style that felt at once retro and futuristic. He didn’t have to barrel his way to the rim or hoist 12 threes a game to be effective. He danced through games with a tempo that felt like jazz—unpredictable, rhythmic, and undeniably beautiful.
His impact extended far beyond Oklahoma. In Canada, where he’s become the face of the next generation of basketball stars, his success has sparked renewed excitement. He’s a proud product of Hamilton, Ontario, and now a global ambassador for Canadian hoops. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, his commitment to Team Canada offers the promise of even greater glory, as he’ll likely lead a stacked roster into battle against the world’s best. If his NBA season was any indication, expect fireworks.
In the locker room, younger players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have raved about his mentorship and calm presence. Coaches speak of his unselfishness, his film study habits, and his relentless drive to get better. There’s no ego with Shai—only a passion to win, to grow, and to leave his mark on the game. That authenticity has made him one of the most respected voices among players and fans alike. He’s the kind of star who doesn’t need to tell you he’s great. He shows it, every night, with a quiet storm of excellence.
