Some guys win MVP by forcing the narrative. Others chase the stat lines. But every now and then, a player comes along who does it with such aura, style, and control that it feels inevitable.
That’s been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but now, the accolades accompany it all.
After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a historic 68-win season, a top seed in a gauntlet Western Conference, and doing it all with a smooth, almost surgical brand of basketball, SGA is officially your 2025 NBA MVP.
The Quiet Storm
Shai didn’t campaign. He didn’t need a shoe deal rollout, or any viral moments popping off at the mouth but he’s become the face of Converse basketball and has become known for dropping bars under his Instagram posts on a regular basis. None of that was needed though–– he just showed up every night, glided past defenders, hit middies like clockwork, and clamped up on defense and most importantly, led his team to greatness, Something that wasn’t replicated by either of the other two MVP candidates, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
We’re talking 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game on 51.9 percent shooting. Shai was just announced MVP, will shortly be All-NBA First Team, a could easily be listed on an All-Defensive Team. Not to mention, the prospect of the Thunder winning the NBA Finals and SGA being named Finals MVP.
Again, the crazy part behind it all? He made it look damn near effortless.
Fashion, Footwork & Fundamentals
Shai isn’t just MVP on the court. He’s the league’s best dressed player.
Nobody blended basketball and culture better this year. From his postgame fits to his well-versed game, he gave off the energy of a generational superstar who’s never in a rush.
Shai didn’t just hoop this season. He influenced.
Leading by Example
What made this MVP season even more impressive is how he led. It’s well documented how young this Thunder squad is. I’ll remind you: the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history, breaking it’s record from last season. Yet night after night, Shai was the anchor. The engine. The calm. The self proclaimed “silent leader.”
You didn’t see Shai barking at teammates or forcing 40 shots to prove a point. You saw him trusting Jalen Williams in the clutch, swinging the ball on the wing to Lu Dort in clutch moments and feeding Aaron Wiggins when he’s cooking. You saw a 26 year old becoming “the guy” for OKC without losing who he was, staying rooted in who he is while leading his household.
From Hamilton, to Kentucky, to the MVP
Think about it. A kid who was cut from junior varsity during his ninth grade year, to a high-level division one athlete, turned one-and-done from Kentucky who came into the league underrated. Traded after his rookie year. Overshadowed early in OKC. Patiently building, season after season, into a certified killer.
This isn’t just an MVP season. It’s a full-circle moment for Shai.
From six points a game as a rookie… to the most valuable player in the world.
What’s Next?
With OKC back in the Western Conference Finals, currently up 1-0 over the Anthony Edwards led Minnesota Timberwolves, the MVP trophy might not be the only hardware Shai adds to his résumé in one month’s time. But even if it was? This season is already legendary for the kid from Hamilton.
Debate all you want, but for the 2024-25 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best basketball player on Earth.
