Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA 2K26 recognition has been confirmed as the 26-year-old Canadian basketball star will serve as the cover athlete for the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game. This groundbreaking announcement was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday, marking the first time a Canadian has appeared on the cover of this popular basketball simulation developed by Visual Concepts.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Exceptional NBA Season Performance

Gilgeous-Alexander had an outstanding 2024 season, capturing the NBA scoring title, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award, and securing Finals MVP honors. His leadership propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first-ever NBA championship, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the league.

Standing six-foot-six, Gilgeous-Alexander entered NBA 2K25 with an overall rating of 96 out of 100, which was later increased to 98. This rating tied him with Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for the highest score in the game.

Canadian Basketball Icons on NBA 2K Covers Before Gilgeous-Alexander

Before Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic appearance, former Toronto Raptors star Vince Carter was featured on the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame special edition cover, highlighting his famous dunk contest pose. Additionally, DeMar DeRozan appeared on the Canadian cover of NBA 2K18, representing earlier Canadian talent on the game’s platform.

Significance and Potential Impact of This Milestone

Being the first Canadian to appear on the NBA 2K cover reflects Gilgeous-Alexander’s rising global status and highlights the growing influence of Canadian players in the NBA. His achievement is likely to inspire young athletes across Canada and elevate the profile of Canadian basketball internationally. The launch of NBA 2K26 with Gilgeous-Alexander as its face is expected to boost the game’s appeal, especially among Canadian fans and supporters of the Oklahoma City Thunder.