Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had an exceptional year in the world of sports, culminating in his recognition as The Canadian Press's Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in his career. The announcement came on a recent Saturday, following a voting process that included editors, writers, and broadcasters from across Canada. This accolade is a testament to his outstanding achievements, which this year included winning the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), NBA Finals MVP, and the league's scoring title, while also leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second championship in franchise history and the first since 1979.
The Hamilton native's remarkable season has left no room for debate regarding his status as one of the best players worldwide. Rowan Barrett, general manager of Canada's men's national basketball team, expressed confidence in Gilgeous-Alexander's elite status, emphasizing that any argument dismissing his skills would be unfounded. In the voting, Gilgeous-Alexander garnered an impressive 89.3 percent of the votes, with Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finishing in second place. Other notable athletes such as tennis player Felix Auger-Aliassime and race walker Evan Dunfee also received votes.
Gilgeous-Alexander, often referred to as SGA, previously won the CP Male Athlete of the Year award in 2023. That year, he played a crucial role in leading Canada to its first-ever medal at the FIBA World Cup and qualifying for the Summer Olympics for the first time in 24 years. He is now one of only 17 athletes to have won this award twice, joining the ranks of hockey legends like Bobby Hull and Mario Lemieux, and the only other basketball player to have achieved such recognition is Hall of Famer Steve Nash, who won the award three times.
During the previous season, the six-foot-six guard averaged an impressive 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, five rebounds, 1.7 steals, and one block per game. Under his leadership, the Oklahoma City Thunder achieved the best regular-season record in the NBA’s Western Conference. They overcame teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves on their path to the NBA Finals. In a decisive Game 7 of the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his skills by scoring 29 points and providing 12 assists, helping secure a 103-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Gilgeous-Alexander's accolades extend further, as he is only the second Canadian player to win the NBA MVP award, following Steve Nash. He is also among an elite group of four NBA players to be named both MVP and Finals MVP in the same season, joining legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal. Signa Butler from CBC Sports praised Gilgeous-Alexander's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world's best players, highlighting the importance of hard work and belief in achieving such heights.
His teammates and competitors alike have expressed admiration for his abilities and character. Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors remarked on Gilgeous-Alexander's impact on the game, noting that he continuously pressures defenses and possesses a versatile skill set. Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized that Gilgeous-Alexander's excellence transcends statistics, complimenting his dedication to signing autographs and engaging with fans, showcasing his approachable nature off the court.
Barrett, who has been acquainted with Gilgeous-Alexander for many years, noted the player's genuine character and awareness of his impact, remarking on how well he understands his popularity and the responsibilities that come with it. Fellow players have echoed this sentiment, attesting to Gilgeous-Alexander’s continuous improvement and his pivotal role in the Thunder's recent success, further solidifying his status in the NBA and his influence on the sport as a whole.
As of the current 2025-26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress, averaging 32.1 points, 6.5 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, contributing significantly to the Thunder's dominant 26-5 record. His achievements and continual growth have earned him profound respect both on and off the court, establishing him as a prominent figure in the world of basketball.
