From the North: SGA’s Rise to the Top

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Ontario, Canada, and was not a top U.S. prospect as a teenager. After one year at Kentucky he entered the NBA as a first-round pick, originally with the Los Angeles Clippers.

In 2019, in a trade involving Paul George, SGA was sent to a rebuilding Thunder. Few expected this "forced" departure to ignite his legend. In Oklahoma City he grew from a raw prospect into an All-Star, MVP candidate, and finally 2025 Finals MVP.

As a Canadian, SGA took the flag from Nash and Wiggins to become the new totem of maple-leaf basketball, lifting Canada’s rise on the world stage.

From a small Ontario town to the top of the league, SGA’s path is another proof that the underestimated eventually shine.

Related Reading

• 2025 NBA Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• 2025 NBA MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Oklahoma's Thunder: A Deep Dive Into the 2025 Championship
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Hard Work and Role Model
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Glory and Idol