Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Journey Towards a Third Consecutive MVP

Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird make up the exclusive list of players who achieved three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards. It’s a rare feat, emphasized by the absence of legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder could join this elite group. However, his main focus remains on winning and achieving team success.

Gilgeous-Alexander stated his priorities clearly: ‘I’ve just got to be the best player I can be for this basketball team, win as many games as possible.’ His approach has brought him two MVP titles in consecutive years. He heads into this season as the best player on a team that is a co-favorite for the NBA championship, along with the San Antonio Spurs. Gilgeous-Alexander has dominated voting over the past two seasons, securing over 75% of first-place MVP votes, while maintaining an NBA-leading scoring average of 32 points per game.

Gilgeous-Alexander believes he hasn’t reached his peak. He maintained, ‘I feel like I’m a better basketball player, more versatile as a basketball player, in better shape too.’ The Thunder’s season opener is against the Spurs at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday in San Antonio. Earlier, the Boston Celtics face the Pistons in Detroit at 2 p.m., and the Philadelphia 76ers, led by LeBron James, play the defending champions, the New York Knicks, at Madison Square Garden at 6 p.m. All games will be broadcasted on NBC-5.

‘He has the baseline stuff of his work ethic, his discipline, his character,’ said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Presti emphasized Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique qualities, including his ‘superior emotional awareness and regulation,’ which have driven his rise from a lightly recruited college player.

Gilgeous-Alexander has become a pivotal figure in the changing NBA landscape, where international players have won the last eight MVP awards. This trend might continue with the current favorite, Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs. Many previous MVP winners from international backgrounds, like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, weren’t anticipated stars when they entered the league. Gilgeous-Alexander, drafted 11th, has already achieved back-to-back MVP honors.

Presti commented on Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth, stating, ‘He’s got a lot more levels to go, and his mindset is the No. 1 thing that drives all that.’ Gilgeous-Alexander understands that winning also brings individual accolades. However, he credits team efforts for these achievements. If the Thunder position themselves as contenders, Gilgeous-Alexander will likely be among the top MVP candidates. The best players on the best teams are often in the MVP spotlight. If he secures another MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander plans to show gratitude to his teammates with gifts, as he did previously with watches and Burberry coats.

Leadership is more significant than trophies for Gilgeous-Alexander. He reflected, ‘I’ve been intentional, but also just I think naturally it’s just grown because I’ve grown as a man.’ His role as a father enhances his sense of responsibility. He understands that setting an example is crucial, both in his personal life and on the court. ‘You lead by example — and it’s hard to get people to follow you if you don’t do the right things and you don’t walk the walk.’