Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird are the only players who have clinched three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards. This feat has not been achieved in four decades. The absence of iconic players such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar highlights the challenge in accomplishing this milestone.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder aims for a chance to join that exclusive group this year. His focus remains on winning and striving for championships over individual accolades. “I’ve just got to be the best player I can be for this basketball team, win as many games as possible,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. In past seasons, this approach proved effective, securing two MVP titles in a row. Entering this season, he aims for no different outcome.
As the leading player on a team favored alongside the San Antonio Spurs for the NBA championship, Gilgeous-Alexander has shown remarkable performance. He garnered over 75% of first-place MVP votes in the last two seasons with a scoring average of 32 points per game, the highest in the NBA during this period. He believes in his continuous improvement, mentioning, “I feel like I’m a better basketball player, more versatile, and in better shape too.”
The Thunder will face the Spurs at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in San Antonio during the NBA’s opening day, concluding a lineup featuring the Boston Celtics against the Pistons at 2 p.m. and LeBron James with the Philadelphia 76ers playing against the defending champion New York Knicks at 6 p.m. All games are broadcast on NBC-5.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti, experienced with Hall of Fame players, recognizes Gilgeous-Alexander’s unique traits. He stated, “He has the baseline characteristics of work ethic, discipline, and character required to be consistently elite in the NBA. His emotional awareness and regulation are, in my opinion, superior.” Presti further elaborated on how Gilgeous-Alexander’s perspective diverges from a simple pass-fail mentality, propelling his success from being a lightly recruited college player to achieving NBA stardom.
The evolution of the game sees Gilgeous-Alexander among transformative players in the NBA. Notably, international players have dominated the MVP awards for the past eight years. If the general managers’ polling is accurate, this trend could continue with the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama projected as a potential MVP contender.
International players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, drafted 15th in 2013, and Nikola Jokic, taken at No. 41, have won multiple MVPs despite initial low expectations. Similarly, Gilgeous-Alexander, drafted 11th, secured two MVP titles. “He’s still going,” Presti noted. “He’s got a lot more levels to go, and his mindset is the No. 1 thing that drives all that.”
While winning organically results in personal success, Gilgeous-Alexander credits team efforts. He often reminds that MVP seasons materialize due to collective contributions. If the Thunder excel, he remains a strong MVP candidate. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander is known for his generosity, gifting teammates with luxurious items like watches and coats after securing MVP titles.
Leadership holds greater significance for Gilgeous-Alexander than trophies. “I’ve been intentional with leadership, but it’s also naturally grown as I have matured,” he mentioned. “Becoming a father has played a part. You serve as an example daily. It mirrors the real world, where leading by example is vital for others to follow your path.”
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