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How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rise to become MVP from rookie? Recapping OKC Thunder's superstar's incredible NBA journey
How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rise to become MVP from rookie? Recapping OKC Thunder's superstar's incredible NBA journey (Image Credit: Getty Images)
What does it take to reach a milestone like NBA MVP? A perfect answer to this question lies in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's incredible NBA career graph. The proven star from Canada started playing basketball at a very young age of 10.
He absorbed the values like discipline and athleticism from his mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, who is a former sprinter for Antigua and Barbuda, with an Olympic Games appearance in her career.
Though having a passion for playing, Shai had to overcome the challenge of being a late bloomer, especially physically. But he kept on pursuing his passion and moved to the USA for better exposure and training. As the Oklahoma City Thunder's superstar bags the NBA MVP award for the 2024-2025 season, let's take a quick look at the important milestones of his basketball career.
2018-2019: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rookie season was solid start
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was picked as the 11th overall draft by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018. He was later traded to the LA Clippers, marking his debut in the NBA.
His performance caused a stir right from his rookie season as he started 73 games and got recognized for his poise, defensive instincts, and length.
Shai led the Clippers to the playoffs that season and earned appreciation for his outstanding 25-point game against the Golden State Warriors.
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His performance statistics included 10.8 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 2.8 RPG.
He won the NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection in his rookie season. Fans saw him as the future All-Star.
2019-2020: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander traded to Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George in a blockbuster deal in the offseason of his first season.
He displayed phenomenal growth in his shot creation and was considered instrumental in the team's moving to the play-offs, providing support to Chris Paul.
His versatility translated into a leap in his performance figures, which read 19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.3 APG.
2020-2021: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was branded as 'Emerging Star' in his third year
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not take much time to rise to stardom. He displayed outstanding efficiency with 50.8% shots from the field and 41.8% from 3.
The year turned out to be a tough one for him as he suffered season-ending plantar fasciitis. However, he did not leave the field without establishing himself as the reigning leader of the Thunder team, which no one should take lightly.
His performance statistics this season read 23.7 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.7 RPG.
2021-2022: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became cornerstone of franchise
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ruled the court with his all-around performance. He brought the much-needed depth to the Thunder's roster.
The rising star shone brightly and became the cornerstone of the franchise with amazing statistics like 24.5 PPG, 5.9 APG, and 5.0 RPG. Shai led the NBA in clutch points with 160 points in her kitty. He was just second to DeMar DeRozan, who had bagged 184 clutch points.
2022-2023: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leaped to superstar fame
The 2022-2023 season was the breakthrough year for Shai. He delivered incredible numbers this year, such as 31.4 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.8 RPG, and 1.6 SPG. The rookie had become a superstar then and was chosen to lead the team despite his young age.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: From Rising Star to MVP and Thunder Leader | GSMC Basketball Podcast
He earned accolades like All-NBA First Team, All-Star, and ended fifth in MVP selection voting, becoming an MVP finalist.
2023-2024: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became a prominent MVP candidate
In his fifth year in the NBA, Shai led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the first seed in the Western Conference.
He led the team to the Finals, bolstering his position as a playoff performer. He climbed higher in the MVP race and ended 2nd in MVP voting, preceded by Nikola Jokic.
His terrific numbers - 30.1 PPG, 6.2 APG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 SPG - bagged him honors like All-NBA First Team and All-Star Starter.
2024-2025: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP Award
Consistent performance and technical finesse at court helped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deliver historic figures.
In the regular season, he averaged 32.7 points while shooting 51.9% FGs. His 5+ figures in assists and rebounds placed him in the league of Michael Jordan, who is the only player to have averaged these figures.
The go-getter attitude has finally given Shai what he aspired to. He surpassed Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the MVP race and has finally won the 2024-2025 Kia NBA MVP Award earlier this week.
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NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shows a stunning last-minute performance as Oklahoma City Thunder pulls off a Game 4 win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's journey is the stuff legends are made of. His excellence in the game and a head-down approach impart to him leadership qualities. He is aptly living up to the role and has given solid leadership to the team. The Oklahoma City Thunder is currently facing the Indiana Pacers in the NBA finals and has leveled the series 2-2 after Game 4.
