Shams reports Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be named 2024-25 NBA MVP
The NBA is expected to make it official later tonight, but renowned insider Shams Charania has done what he does best — dropped a bomb: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be named the 2024–25 Most Valuable Player.
The announcement, slated for 7PM Eastern, caps off a spectacular regular season for the Oklahoma City Thunder guard, who led his team to the best record in the league and solidified his place at the top of the Association's food chain.
The Thunder's engine
Shai didn't just deliver spectacular individual performances — he was the engine behind a 68-win Thunder squad that quickly became the main contender for the ultimate prize. Night after night, the Canadian carried the load without theatrics or off-court headlines, producing a masterclass in consistency.
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The soon-to-be 27-year-old averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over 76 games, shooting 52% from the field, 38% from deep, and just shy of a 90% from the line. Sure, one might say he lived at the free-throw line, but Shai earned every one of his points.
From the start of the season, it was clear he was on a mission — chasing the Michael Jordan Trophy after finishing second in the race last year. And in the end, that quiet, unshakable determination helped him edge out a loaded MVP field that included three-time winner Nikola Jokic and former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. No small feat, especially when those two had dominant campaigns of their own.
Eyes on the ultimate prize
As sweet as the MVP is, the Thunder star is already looking past it. Shai's eyes have always been on the ultimate prize — the Larry O'Brien trophy. And judging by how he's started these playoffs, that fire hasn't dimmed one bit. He's kept up his regular-season rhythm with big-time performances in the first two rounds against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets.
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And if he keeps this up, it might just be a matter of time before he adds a Finals MVP to his résumé, too.
Related: Ivica Zubac reflects on breakout year, Jokic battles, and more in Basketball Network exclusive
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