City leader Hamilton grants NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander symbolic key to the city
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, has cemented his status as one of the NBA's elite stars following an historic 2024-25 season. The Canadian guard led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship and the best league record (68-14) in the history of the franchise, earning multiple top individual honours.
Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive achievements include winning the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game on 51.9% shooting alongside 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. This made him the first Canadian since Steve Nash and only the third Thunder player to win the MVP[1][2].
Beyond the MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander also secured the NBA Finals MVP, the NBA scoring title, and won the Best Male Athlete award at the 2025 ESPYs, marking him as the top male athlete across all sports at the prestigious event. His playmaking, scoring efficiency, and leadership redefined the Thunder’s rise and his personal status in the league.
In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a groundbreaking four-year, $285 million contract extension, the highest single-season average salary in NBA history[2]. He is also the cover athlete of NBA 2K26 and will have a street named after him in Hamilton.
Gilgeous-Alexander's journey to stardom was not an easy one. In ninth grade, he didn't make his high school basketball team[3]. However, his determination and grit propelled him to success, as he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to Oklahoma City, where his talent fully blossomed.
The hometown roots of Gilgeous-Alexander are important to his story; he consistently credits Hamilton, Ontario, for shaping his character and work ethic. He received a hero's welcome upon returning home after his championship run, with thousands of people, including many youngsters and children donning Gilgeous-Alexander's No. 2 jersey, present at a public rally at Hamilton Stadium.
Rowan Barrett, the executive vice-president and general manager of Canada's national men's team, spoke about Gilgeous-Alexander at the rally. Mayor Andrea Horwath also honoured Gilgeous-Alexander with the key to the city of Hamilton. Ron Foxcroft, a longtime basketball official and chairman/CEO of Fluke Transportation & Warehousing, presented Gilgeous-Alexander with a gold basketball.
Gilgeous-Alexander's hard work paid off with the achievements he has accomplished in the NBA. He has also made a significant impact off the court, signing a multi-year extension with Converse, making him the creative director of Converse Basketball, reportedly worth $15 million annually[4].
Canada is boosting military pay as much as 20% in a significant spending boost[5]. This news comes as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and Canadians alike with his remarkable story of perseverance and success.
References:
- ESPN
- The Canadian Press
- Sportsnet
- Forbes
- CBC News
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 2024-25 season in the NBA was unprecedented, as he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship and the best record in franchise history while winning the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Beyond the MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander also secured the NBA Finals MVP, the NBA scoring title, and won the Best Male Athlete award at the 2025 ESPYs, making him the top male athlete across all sports at the prestigious event.
