Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Path to NBA Greatness

Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird hold a unique distinction: they are the only players to have won three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards. This feat has not been achieved in 40 years, despite the immense talent of players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is poised to join this elite group this season. His focus remains on team success, prioritizing winning and championships over personal accolades.

Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized his commitment to team success, stating, I’ve just got to be the best player I can be for this basketball team, win as many games as possible. That kind of recipe for me in the past has worked, and I’ve been fortunate to win two in a row. No different for me going into this season. As the Thunder’s leading player, he shares championship aspirations with the San Antonio Spurs. With over 75% of first-place MVP votes and a scoring average of 32 points per game over the past two years, his performance stands unmatched.

Gilgeous-Alexander believes he hasn’t yet reached his full potential. I feel like I’m a better basketball player, more versatile, he said. The Thunder will face the Spurs at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday in San Antonio, the last of three NBA opening day games. The Boston Celtics play the Pistons at 2 p.m. in Detroit. Later, LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers meet the defending champion New York Knicks at 6 p.m. in Madison Square Garden. All games air on NBC-5.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti recognizes Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique traits. He has the baseline stuff of his work ethic, discipline, character, Presti stated. But his emotional awareness and regulation are superior. It’s extraordinary. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascent from a lightly recruited college player to NBA elite demonstrates his exceptional mindset.

Gilgeous-Alexander is shaping the game alongside international players who have taken the last eight MVP titles. General managers predict Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama will extend this run. Many international MVPs entered the league with low expectations. Giannis Antetokounmpo, selected 15th in the 2013 draft, became a two-time MVP. Nikola Jokic, picked 41st, is a three-time MVP. Selected 11th, Gilgeous-Alexander now aims for a third consecutive MVP.

Presti believes Gilgeous-Alexander’s mindset is key. He’s still going. He’s got more levels to go, he stated. While winning often brings individual success, Gilgeous-Alexander credits his team’s effort for personal accolades. Top players from leading teams frequently become MVP favorites.

If successful again, Gilgeous-Alexander plans to thank his teammates with meaningful gifts as he has in prior MVP seasons. Leadership, for him, surpasses trophies in value. It’s something that I’ve been intentional with but naturally, it’s just grown, he said. Becoming a father has helped with that. You lead by example. His emphasis on example-setting underscores his commitment to team and personal growth.