Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a chance to join an exclusive group of just three players in NBA history who have won the Most Valuable Player award three seasons in a row. Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird are the only ones to have achieved this, and no player has done it in forty years.
Even though he is in the running for another individual honor, Gilgeous-Alexander says his priorities have not changed. The guard is focused on helping Oklahoma City win games and contend for championships rather than pursuing personal awards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims for a third NBA MVP
Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the NBA’s top players, receiving over 75% of first-place votes in MVP voting in each of the past two seasons. His average of 32 points per game during that span is also the best in the league.
The Thunder star feels there is still room to grow. He says he has become a more versatile player and is in better physical shape, indicating that his development is not finished.
Oklahoma City is seen as one of the main championship contenders along with the San Antonio Spurs. If the Thunder stay among the league’s best teams, Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be a strong candidate for another MVP award.
Sam Presti commends the Thunder star’s approach
Thunder general manager Sam Presti, who has worked with Hall of Fame-caliber players, thinks Gilgeous-Alexander has traits that set the very best apart from their peers. He pointed to the guard’s work ethic, discipline, and character, as well as his exceptional emotional awareness and ability to control his reactions.
Presti also praised how Gilgeous-Alexander handles challenges, saying that he does not view situations simply as successes or failures. That mindset, according to the general manager, has helped drive his rise from a lightly recruited college prospect to one of basketball’s elite performers.
The Thunder executive believes the 27-year-old still has more levels to reach. He cited the player’s mentality as a key factor behind his continued progress and sustained excellence.
The NBA MVP race shows the rise of international stars
International players have won the last eight NBA MVP awards, and the streak could reach nine this season. In the league’s preseason general manager survey, San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama was picked as the top candidate to win the award next spring.
Several past winners were not widely expected to reach such heights when they entered the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo, now with Miami after his time in Milwaukee, was selected 15th overall in 2013 and has won two MVP awards. Denver’s Nikola Jokic was the 41st pick and has won three, while Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th overall before winning the award in each of the last two seasons.
Joel Embiid, the third overall selection in 2014 and the 2022-23 MVP, is another example of an international-born player who reached the top of the game. The recent run of winners shows how players drafted outside the very top positions can develop into the NBA’s most outstanding performers.
Leadership means more to Gilgeous-Alexander than trophies
Gilgeous-Alexander understands that individual achievements are closely tied to collective success. He often emphasizes that MVP seasons are made possible by the contributions of teammates and others around the eventual winner.
After each of his first two MVP campaigns, he thanked his teammates with gifts that included luxury watches, Burberry coats, and other presents. If he wins again, those celebrations could return for a third straight year.
However, the guard considers leadership more important than personal recognition. He explained that becoming a father has influenced his approach, reinforcing the importance of setting an example through his actions and behavior. In his view, earning the trust of others requires a person to practice what they preach.