Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Sportsperson Of The Year After MVP Season & Historic Championship Run
Written by b87fm on 01/02/2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just added another jewel to his crown.
Sports Illustrated has officially named the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar its 2025 Sportsperson of the Year, honoring the MVP guard not just for dominating the hardwood, but for embodying leadership, class, and the relentless grind that defines greatness. Gilgeous-Alexander will appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s prestigious annual issue, hitting newsstands January 8, and will be honored in person at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, January 6 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
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Since 1954, the award has celebrated athletes who represent the highest standards of excellence and sportsmanship. Previous recipients include icons like Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Derek Jeter. Now, SGA joins that elite company — and he’s done it in unforgettable fashion.
The Year That Changed Everything
If 2025 belonged to anyone, it belonged to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He didn’t just have a great season; he authored a legendary one. The Thunder star captured his first NBA MVP award, led Oklahoma City to a jaw-dropping 68–14 regular season record, and claimed the NBA scoring title, averaging a career-best 32.7 points per game.
And then came the postseason — where stars either fade or become immortal.
SGA powered OKC through the playoffs and delivered the franchise its first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, sealing the run by claiming Finals MVP honors. Clutch buckets, calm under pressure, and unmatched poise — Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just perform; he took the league hostage.
Grinding From Doubt To Destiny
In his SI feature, Shai reflects on the climb that got him here — and why he’s nowhere near finished.
“I think more than anything I was excited by the fact that I had achieved those things and still had so much room to grow,” he said, acknowledging that success hasn’t changed his hunger — it’s only sharpened it.
He also spoke openly about being doubted long before NBA dreams were real.
“When I was in ninth grade, nobody saw me and was like, ‘He’s going to be the 11th pick in the NBA draft,’” he recalled. “And I did it. So why can’t I just implement the same thing on a different scale, on a different level, using the same process?”
That mentality — quiet fire, relentless confidence, humble swagger — is exactly why Gilgeous-Alexander now stands atop the basketball world.
Legacy Building In Real Time
From his flashy yet controlled game to his signature calm confidence, SGA has quickly become one of the league’s most admired superstars. He’s a role model for young hoopers, a nightmare for defenders, and the centerpiece of one of the NBA’s brightest franchises.
Sports Illustrated didn’t just celebrate an MVP — they crowned a leader shaping the future of the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just having a moment. He’s defining an era.
