Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, was named best male athlete at the ESPYS on Wednesday night following an exceptional NBA season. The Canadian athlete’s recognition at ESPN’s annual awards show highlights his outstanding achievements during the year.
Expressing gratitude for his support system, Gilgeous-Alexander said,
“It’s a dream come true and for dreams to come true it takes a village,”
acknowledging his wife, parents, brother, and others.
“Those names probably don’t mean much but to me they mean everything.”
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA Player
Remarkable NBA Season and Historic Contract Extension
Gilgeous-Alexander from Hamilton, Ontario, led the Thunder to their first NBA championship along with the best league record. He swept the top individual NBA awards, securing both the regular-season MVP and NBA Finals MVP titles, as well as the scoring title. His dominant performance solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Following his historic season, Gilgeous-Alexander signed a groundbreaking four-year, $285-million contract extension with the Thunder on Canada Day, which boasts the highest single-season average salary ever in NBA history.
Other Notable ESPYS Winners Celebrate Exceptional Achievements
Among other honorees was Simone Biles, who received two awards, including the best female athlete, recognizing her extraordinary performance at the Paris Olympics. She earned three gold medals, a silver, and contributed to the U.S. women’s gymnastics team‘s first team title since 2016.
After receiving her award, Biles remarked,
“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,”
while sharing a moment with her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. —Simone Biles, Gymnast
Biles outperformed other notable finalists like Stephen Curry, Freddie Freeman, and Rory McIlroy. Olympic gymnast Suni Lee was also honored with the best comeback award after overcoming two rare kidney illnesses, bringing one of her doctors with her to the ceremony.
Honoring Trailblazers and Acts of Courage
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage was presented to basketball legend Oscar Robertson, accepted by Russell Westbrook on his behalf. Robertson, known as “The Big O,” was the first Black president of any sports labor union and played a pivotal role in a landmark 1970 antitrust lawsuit against the NBA. This lawsuit transformed free agency and draft rules, leading to better pay and conditions for players.
WNBA icon Diana Taurasi and U.S. women’s national soccer star Alex Morgan shared the Icon Award, celebrating their influential careers and lasting impact on women’s sports.
Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the Penn State women’s volleyball coach, accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, accompanied by her husband and children amid a standing ovation. After being diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer last September, Schumacher-Cawley continued coaching without missing practices and became the first woman to lead a team to the NCAA national championship.
Recognizing Service and Rising Young Athletes
The Pat Tillman Award for Service went to former athletes David Walters and Erin Regan, honoring their dedication and service aligned with the legacy of the NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger. High school athletes Cameron Boozer in basketball and Jane Hedengren in track and field were celebrated as the Gatorade Best Male and Female Players of the Year, highlighting their emergence as top talents in their sports.
Implications of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Accolades and Future Outlook
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s recognition as the best male athlete at the ESPYS serves as a testament to his historic season and growing influence in the NBA and Canadian sports. His record-setting contract and multiple MVP awards reflect a player at the peak of his career, setting new standards for future generations. The ESPYS ceremony also spotlighted remarkable stories of perseverance, courage, and athletic excellence, indicating a year filled with inspiring achievements that will resonate across the sports world.