Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance in the past year solidified his status as one of the top athletes in the world. Recently, he clinched The Canadian Press’ Male Athlete of the Year award for the second time in his career. The Hamilton native secured this recognition after a remarkable season in which he claimed the NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, the league’s scoring title, and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second-ever championship.
According to Rowan Barrett, the general manager of Canada’s men’s national basketball team, there is no doubt that Gilgeous-Alexander is among the elite players globally. In the voting process, Gilgeous-Alexander garnered an overwhelming 89.3% of the votes, outperforming other notable athletes like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Evan Dunfee.
Nicknamed SGA, Gilgeous-Alexander was also honored as CP’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2023 for his contributions to Canada’s success in the FIBA World Cup and the Summer Olympics qualification after a long gap. His stellar performance on the court included impressive stats like averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, five rebounds, 1.7 steals, and one block per game. Notably, he played a pivotal role in guiding Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements place him in a prestigious category alongside legends like Bobby Hull, Phil Esposito, Mario Lemieux, and Milos Raonic, as one of the 17 athletes to win the CP Male Athlete of the Year award twice. Furthermore, he became the second Canadian after Steve Nash to be crowned NBA MVP and joined an elite group of players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal, by winning both MVP and Finals MVP in a single season.
In the ongoing 2025-26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine, maintaining MVP-level performances with impressive averages. Beyond his on-court prowess, his humility, dedication, and community engagement have earned him admiration from fans, fellow players, and coaches alike. Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional character and his commitment to fans, emphasizing his impact both on and off the court.
Barrett, reflecting on Gilgeous-Alexander’s genuine nature, praised the athlete’s understanding of his influence and the responsibility that comes with it. Not only has Gilgeous-Alexander’s athletic prowess been celebrated, but his integrity and compassion off the court have also garnered widespread respect within the NBA community.