Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has always been a player who defied expectations. From a late-blooming recruit out of Hamilton, Ontario, to a one-and-done Kentucky Wildcat, to a rising star in the NBA, his basketball journey has been one of steady growth, resilience, and relentless dedication. Now, with the announcement that he has been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander has etched his name in history—not just as one of the league’s elite, but as the first former University of Kentucky player to earn the league’s highest individual honor.
In a league dominated by high-profile names, Shai’s ascension to MVP is a testament to the value of patience, development, and maximizing one’s unique skill set. He becomes the latest face of the NBA’s new generation of stars, and his recognition marks a significant moment for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, Big Blue Nation, and Canada’s growing basketball legacy.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 31.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, while leading the Thunder to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Beyond the stats, it was his leadership, poise, and ability to deliver in crucial moments that elevated his candidacy above the rest. He was the engine of one of the most exciting and cohesive teams in the league, turning OKC from an intriguing young squad into a legitimate title contender.
The MVP voting wasn’t close. Gilgeous-Alexander received 78 of the 100 first-place votes, edging out Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. He became the first guard to win the award since James Harden in 2018, and the youngest MVP since Derrick Rose in 2011.
What makes his rise all the more remarkable is the path he took to get here. Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t a McDonald’s All-American or a top-10 recruit out of high school. In fact, he was ranked outside the top 30 by most recruiting services before committing to Kentucky. Under John Calipari’s tutelage during the 2017-18 season, SGA blossomed into the Wildcats’ most consistent player. Though not the flashiest or the most hyped, he quietly worked his way into a lottery pick, going 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Draft night brought an immediate twist, as he was traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers. In L.A., Gilgeous-Alexander impressed as a rookie with his smooth handle, high IQ, and composure, but it wasn’t until he was dealt to Oklahoma City as part of the blockbuster Paul George trade in 2019 that his stardom began to take shape.
For the past five seasons, the Thunder have rebuilt around Shai, and he has responded with steady improvement each year. The 2022-23 campaign saw him make his first All-Star appearance and earn All-NBA First Team honors. Many wondered if he had already reached his peak. He answered those questions with an MVP season that redefined his ceiling.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s style is uniquely his own—unhurried, deliberate, and lethal. He plays the game like a chess master, probing defenses with hesitation dribbles, crafty footwork, and elite mid-range touch. While most stars rely on explosive athleticism or high-volume three-point shooting, SGA’s game is built on nuance and control. He’s a master of the in-between, a throwback scorer with modern efficiency. His 54.3% shooting from the field was the highest among guards this season, and he ranked in the top five in free throw attempts, showcasing his ability to get to the rim and draw contact.
Perhaps most impressive, though, was his defense. Once seen as a weakness in his game, Shai turned into a lockdown perimeter defender this season, often taking on the opponent’s top scoring threat and excelling in one-on-one matchups. His 2.0 steals per game ranked second in the NBA, and his deflections and disruptions fueled OKC’s fast-paced offense.
His leadership has also drawn widespread praise. In a locker room filled with young talent—Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey—Gilgeous-Alexander is the voice of experience and composure. Teammates rave about his work ethic and unselfishness. Coaches marvel at his calm under pressure. When the Thunder needed a bucket late, he delivered. When they needed a stop, he took the challenge. When they needed belief, he inspired it.
This MVP honor is not just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of validation for Oklahoma City’s vision. In an era where superstars often bolt for bigger markets, Shai has embraced the Thunder as his team, and the city has embraced him in return. His loyalty, humility, and grace have made him not just the face of the franchise, but one of the league’s most respected ambassadors.
It also marks a long-awaited milestone for the University of Kentucky, which has produced dozens of NBA players under Calipari’s tenure but had never seen one of its alums win the NBA MVP. While players like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and De’Aaron Fox have become All-Stars, Gilgeous-Alexander is the first to reach the pinnacle. For Kentucky fans, it’s a point of pride and a symbol of what Calipari’s program can still produce—a complete player, polished on and off the court.
Beyond Kentucky, his achievement is monumental for Canadian basketball. Gilgeous-Alexander joins Steve Nash as only the second Canadian-born player to win MVP honors. With the rise of players like Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, and Bennedict Mathurin, Canada is quickly becoming a basketball powerhouse, and SGA’s success serves as both a beacon and a blueprint for the next generation of northern hoopers.
In the coming weeks, Shai will lead the Thunder into the postseason with higher expectations than ever before. But regardless of what happens next, his MVP campaign has already solidified his place in NBA history. He’s no longer just a promising young star. He’s the most valuable player in the world’s most competitive basketball league.
And he’s just getting started.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s story is one of transformation—a quiet, steady climb from overlooked recruit to league MVP. It’s a story of belief: belief in his game, his growth, and his potential. It’s a story that reflects the best of basketball—where perseverance, skill, and character triumph over hype. And it’s a story that now belongs, forever, to NBA lore.
