Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year, following his remarkable achievement as the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player. Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role in leading the Thunder to their first-ever NBA championship, marking a significant milestone for both him and the franchise.
Gilgeous-Alexander is the first NBA player to receive this prestigious award since Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in 2022. He also holds the distinction of being the first Canadian to win the award outright since hockey legend Wayne Gretzky in 1982.
At just 27 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his legacy as one of the standout players in the league, becoming the third Thunder player to earn the regular-season MVP honor. The Thunder had an impressive season, winning 68 regular-season games, largely thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance. He not only clinched his first scoring title with an average of 32.1 points per game but also contributed five rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists, enabling Oklahoma City to secure the top spot in defensive rating and rank third in offensive rating.
The culmination of the season saw the Thunder triumph in a gripping seven-game NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers, where Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.3 points per game and was named the Finals MVP, further underscoring his importance to the team’s success.
In recognition of his contributions, the Thunder rewarded Gilgeous-Alexander with a substantial four-year, $285 million supermax contract extension, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2030-31 season. Reflecting on the journey to the championship, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to win a title, especially in light of the franchise’s history, which included legendary talents like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, who all left without winning a championship.
Looking ahead, the Oklahoma City Thunder have started the current season strong with a 29-5 record, continuing to be led by Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging impressive stats of 32.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. His leadership and performance offer a hopeful outlook for the Thunder as they aim for sustained success in the NBA.