The NBA Finals are the pinnacle of basketball achievement, where legends are made, legacies are cemented, and history is written. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a potential Finals victory this year would not only mark the culmination of an extraordinary season but also etch his name in the record books as the first University of Kentucky alumnus to win the NBA Finals MVP award. This distinction is particularly remarkable given Kentucky’s storied basketball history, which has produced countless NBA stars but never a Finals MVP. If Gilgeous-Alexander can lead the Oklahoma City Thunder—or whichever team he finds himself on in the future—to a championship while securing MVP honors, he will add a unique chapter to both his own legacy and the rich tradition of Kentucky basketball.
Kentucky’s basketball program, under the guidance of legendary coaches like Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, Tubby Smith, and John Calipari, has long been a factory for NBA talent. The Wildcats boast one of the most impressive lists of alumni in professional basketball, including Hall of Famers like Dan Issel, Pat Riley, and Anthony Davis, as well as modern stars such as Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jamal Murray. Despite this wealth of talent, no Kentucky player has ever captured the Finals MVP award, a surprising gap in the program’s otherwise illustrious NBA résumé.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to the brink of this achievement has been one of steady progression and relentless improvement. Drafted 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Shai quickly established himself as a player with star potential. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, but it was his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 that truly unlocked his trajectory toward superstardom. Under the mentorship of Chris Paul during the 2019-20 season, Gilgeous-Alexander refined his game, developing into a primary scoring option and a leader for a young Thunder squad.
Since then, his rise has been meteoric. Gilgeous-Alexander’s game is a blend of old-school craftiness and modern efficiency. His ability to control the pace, navigate tight spaces, and finish at the rim with an array of floaters and layups makes him one of the most difficult guards to defend in the league. Beyond his scoring, he has developed into an excellent playmaker and a capable defender, rounding out his skill set as a complete two-way player. His performances over the past few seasons have earned him multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors, solidifying his place among the league’s elite.
For Gilgeous-Alexander to break Kentucky’s Finals MVP drought, several factors must align. First and foremost, his team must reach the NBA Finals, a feat that requires not only individual excellence but also a well-constructed roster capable of competing at the highest level. The Thunder, with their young core of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and a treasure trove of future draft picks, are poised to be contenders in the Western Conference for years to come. If they can continue their upward trajectory, a Finals appearance in the near future is well within reach.
Once in the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander would need to deliver a series-defining performance. Recent Finals MVPs like Nikola Jokić, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James have shown that the award typically goes to the best player on the championship team, often the one who dominates statistically and makes the most impactful plays in crucial moments. For Shai, this would mean elevating his game even further—scoring at will, facilitating for teammates, and locking in defensively when it matters most. His calm demeanor and clutch gene suggest he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Kentucky’s inability to produce a Finals MVP thus far is not for lack of trying. Several Wildcats have come close. Anthony Davis was instrumental in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship run, but LeBron James rightfully claimed the Finals MVP honors. Jamal Murray’s electric performances in the 2023 playoffs nearly carried the Denver Nuggets to a title, but it was Jokić who took home the award. Rajon Rondo was a key piece for the 2008 Boston Celtics, but the honor went to Paul Pierce. Even going further back, players like Sam Bowie, Antoine Walker, and John Wall had stellar careers but never quite reached the Finals MVP stage.
For Gilgeous-Alexander to be the first would place him in a unique position in Kentucky basketball lore. It would validate not only his own hard work but also the program’s ability to produce players who can lead teams to the highest levels of success. It would also serve as inspiration for current and future Wildcats, reinforcing the idea that Kentucky is not just a stepping stone to the NBA but a place where champions are forged.
Beyond the Kentucky connection, a Finals MVP award would elevate Gilgeous-Alexander’s standing in the broader NBA landscape. At just 25 years old, he is entering his prime, and such an accolade would cement his status as one of the faces of the league. In an era dominated by international stars like Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić, Shai represents the next wave of North American talent capable of carrying the torch. His humble demeanor, relentless work ethic, and team-first attitude make him a player fans and analysts alike can rally behind.
Of course, none of this is guaranteed. The NBA is as competitive as it has ever been, with multiple superteams and rising contenders vying for supremacy each year. Injuries, roster changes, and sheer unpredictability can derail even the most promising paths to a championship. But if there’s one thing Gilgeous-Alexander has shown throughout his career, it’s that he thrives in the face of challenges.
As the NBA continues to evolve, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands on the precipice of history. A Finals MVP award would not only fulfill a personal dream but also fill a glaring gap in Kentucky basketball’s legacy. For a program that has given so much to the sport, producing the first Finals MVP would be a crowning achievement. And for Gilgeous-Alexander, it would be the ultimate validation of a career built on perseverance, skill, and an unshakable belief in his own potential. The stage is set; now, it’s up to him to seize it.
