Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an exceptional year, being named The Canadian Press’ Male Athlete of the Year for the second time. The Hamilton native secured the honor after achieving significant milestones in the NBA, including winning the MVP title, the NBA Finals MVP, the league’s scoring title, and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second championship in franchise history.
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 best players. Gilgeous-Alexander received an overwhelming 89.3% of the votes, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays finishing second in the balloting.
Nicknamed SGA, Gilgeous-Alexander previously won CP’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2023 by leading Canada to its first-ever medal at the FIBA World Cup. He joined a select group of 17 athletes, including hockey legends Bobby Hull and Mario Lemieux, who have won the award twice.
Standing at six-foot-six, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased impressive stats in the previous season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, five rebounds, 1.7 steals, and one block per game. He played a pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s journey to the NBA Finals, where they clinched the championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers.
Having been named NBA MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander joined the elite company of Hall of Famers such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, who have also won both the MVP and Finals MVP titles in the same season. Voters recognized his consistent performance, with his stellar play continuing into the current season with impressive stats.
Beyond his on-court success, Gilgeous-Alexander’s character and impact off the court have not gone unnoticed. Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic commended him for his humility and generosity, highlighting his dedication to fans and community involvement.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable achievements and exemplary conduct have earned him admiration from his peers in the NBA, illustrating his growth and dedication to the sport.
