# 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.
- Title: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: NBA MVP and Style Icon · TIME
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: shai garnell, okc thunder, nba, mvp, flopping, basketball, free throw, style, fashion, news, world, Shai
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/08/shai-gilgeous-alexander-sga-interview
- Author: Sean Gregory
- Published: 2026-10-08T12:00:03.969+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: shai garnell, okc thunder, nba, mvp, flopping, basketball, free throw, style, gq, fashion, news, world
## 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
## Key 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.