From TIME · Sean Gregory · · 3m
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: NBA MVP and Style Icon
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2026 NBA MVP, defends his dominance despite criticism over 'flopping' and claims he's the best player in the league.
In brief
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2026 NBA MVP, defends his dominance despite criticism over 'flopping' and claims he's the best player in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2026 NBA MVP, insists he's the best player in the NBA despite backlash for 'flopping' and claims he's the best player in…
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known as SGA, is the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2026 NBA MVP and has won the MVP award two years in a row.
“I think I'm the best player in the NBA.”
Flopping Backlash
Players and pundits accuse SGA of 'flopping', acting as if hit harder than he is to get fouls for free throws.
“Trying to draw a foul at the free-throw line”
Victory and Criticism
SGA led the NBA in free-throws-made per game for a third straight season but faced backlash after Victor Wembanyama called OKC 'foul merchants'.
“OKC is a bunch of foul merchants”
2027 Championship Hope
The Thunder are co-favorites with the Spurs to win the 2027 NBA title after a strong 2024-25 season.
“co-favorites with the Spurs”
SGA's Confidence
SGA claims he's the best player in the NBA, citing his production and efficiency as the best in the league.
“I think I'm the best player in the NBA”
2025 Championship
SGA won his first NBA championship with the Thunder on June 22, 2025, beating the Indiana Pacers.
“SGA won his first title on June 22, 2025”
Early Career Struggles
SGA was cut from high school basketball and struggled with coordination before becoming a top scorer.
“I thought I was this player, I learned quickly that I wasn't”
Draft and Early Career
SGA was drafted 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“At 19, after one year in college, SGA was picked 11th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft”
2024-25 Season
The Thunder won 68 regular-season games in 2024-25, setting a new NBA record for points per game.
“After the Thunder won 68 regular-season games in 2024-25”
2027 Championship Race
The Thunder are co-favorites with the Spurs to win the 2027 NBA title after a strong 2024-25 season.
“co-favorites with the Spurs”
SGA's Style
SGA is known for his fashion sense, winning GQ's Most Stylish Man of 2022 and appearing at events like the Met Gala.
“I've always been into arts and crafts, and it's a way to do it through clothes”
Team Chemistry
SGA has created a team culture where players feel free to be themselves and share credit for wins.
“He's made me spend more money, for sure”
2026 MVP
SGA won his second straight NBA MVP award in 2026, becoming the first player to sweep the regular-season MVP, scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same year.
“SGA won his first title on June 22, 2025”
2027 Championship
The Thunder are co-favorites with the Spurs to win the 2027 NBA title after a strong 2024-25 season.
“co-favorites with the Spurs”
SGA's Work Ethic
SGA credits his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario for his work ethic, which helped him overcome early struggles.
“I was wonky. I was growing with knee pains, moving slow, hard to control my body”
2027 Season
SGA is preparing for the 2027 NBA season, focusing on tactical adjustments and team chemistry.
“I attack losing”
The takeaway
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2026 NBA MVP, insists he's the best player in the NBA despite backlash for 'flopping' and claims he's the best player in the league.
