This award is among the most prestigious achievements, with only 72 recipients ever named Sports Illustrated Player of the Year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is joining legendary athletes such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, Simone Biles, and Tiger Woods. All are renowned as the best in their sports.
This award going to Gilgeous-Alexander came as no surprise. It followed his best season in the 2024-25 NBA season, when he won the Most Valuable Player award. If that was not enough, he also led his team to a hard-fought Finals run, winning the championship in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers. Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP as well. He joined only 10 other NBA players to win MVP and Finals MVP in the same season since 1969.
It is nearly impossible to have a more complete season than the one he achieved. However, this year is looking very similar. The Thunder started 29-5, the best record in the league. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. That mirrors last season, when the Thunder went a franchise-record 68-14. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 51.9 percent from the field.
He is doing what most players dream of doing in the league. He is looking to solidify himself as not just one of the best in today’s NBA, but one of the best to ever do it. As a result, it is no wonder fans around the world look up to him and support his greatness. They watch patiently as he and the Thunder push to become a young, scary dynasty in the NBA.
Who is Gilgeous-Alexander
He shows you cannot just be a great athlete to win this award, but that you need to be a great person, too. He supports several foundations and charities, with a main focus on youth care and development in his hometown of Hamilton, Canada, and in Oklahoma City. He supports organizations such as the SickKids Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and TEEM, which focus on helping youth facing poverty and health challenges. He also has scholarship programs through Camp Contemporary in the Oklahoma City area. These programs give students the chance to pursue college without the risk of falling into debt.
With his consistent play on and off the court, he continues to show the world why he belongs in the spotlight. He is adding yet another honor to his growing collection. He will be officially honored in person, along with the other 2025 award winners, at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards Ceremony. The event will take place next Tuesday, January 6, at Wynn Las Vegas, the official home of Sportsperson.
Jesse Vanderveer is a basketball reporter and writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @JesseVanderveer22
