Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable achievements in 2025 have solidified his status as a Canadian sports icon, earning him the prestigious title of The Canadian Press' Male Athlete of the Year for the second time. But this time, it's different.
A Dominant Year: Gilgeous-Alexander's performance in the 2025-26 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their second franchise championship, a feat not achieved since their Seattle SuperSonics days in 1979. And he didn't just lead; he dominated. With an average of 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, he was a force to be reckoned with on the court.
And this is where it gets controversial. Gilgeous-Alexander's impact extended beyond the hardwood. He garnered a remarkable 89.3% of the votes, leaving no room for debate about his influence and skill. But some might argue that his success is a team effort, and individual awards in a team sport can be a contentious topic.
A Leader On and Off the Court: His leadership was evident as he guided the Thunder to victory in the NBA Finals, earning the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards. But his impact goes beyond the game. Gilgeous-Alexander, known as SGA, is one of only 17 athletes to win The Canadian Press' Male Athlete of the Year award twice, joining an elite group that includes hockey legends and a fellow basketball icon, Steve Nash.
"He's an amazing human being," said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, highlighting SGA's character. This sentiment was echoed by Rowan Barrett, who has known SGA for most of his life, emphasizing his humility and dedication to fans.
A Rising Legacy: Gilgeous-Alexander's success has sparked a debate: is he the greatest Canadian basketball player ever? With his second NBA MVP award, he joins an exclusive club with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal. But does this make him the best? The conversation is open, and opinions may vary.
As the Thunder continue their winning streak, SGA's performance remains MVP-worthy. His 2025-26 stats are impressive, with 32.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. But is individual success enough to warrant such accolades? The debate continues.
What do you think? Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the greatest Canadian basketball player of all time? Do individual awards truly reflect a player's impact? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
