Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a leading candidate for the title of best player in the world, earning nearly every major offensive award this season. His impressive achievements have captured the attention of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA legends, including Allen Iverson, who recently praised Gilgeous-Alexander during an event in Toronto.
Iverson made these remarks at the No Flukes Foundation Youth Camp, hosted by Gilgeous-Alexander, where he spoke to young attendees about dedication and practice. Highlighting the necessity of hard work, Iverson linked Gilgeous-Alexander’s success to consistent effort.
All-Star, All-NBA, Hall of Famer, Top 75 All Time, you think I didn’t practice? So, if I didn’t, if I didn’t, that’s to show you how good I was, if I didn’t practice. So obviously I did, you know what I mean? Go overblown.
—Allen Iverson
It’s funny, people say it nowadays, but I swear you have to, you have to practice to become whatever you’re trying to become in life. You think Shai didn’t practice? To become the MVP and the best player in the world, you have to practice.
—Allen Iverson
Season Performance Solidifies Gilgeous-Alexander’s Elite Status
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024-25 season was marked by exceptional individual and team accomplishments. He won the regular season MVP award, surpassing other giants like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite Jokic’s remarkable average triple-double stats, Gilgeous-Alexander posted 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, earning the Michael Jordan MVP trophy.
In the Western Conference Finals, he maintained his high level of play, delivering 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves. For this, he received the Magic Johnson Western Finals MVP Award. His excellence continued into the NBA Finals, where he averaged 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, securing the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.
When asked by ESPN’s Mallika Andrews if he views himself as the best player currently, Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged this confidently. By winning the regular season MVP, scoring title, and Finals MVP in the same season, he joined the ranks of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal—only the fourth player to reach this milestone in NBA history.
Contenders and Future Outlook in the MVP Race
The main contender threatening Gilgeous-Alexander’s claim for the best player title remains Nikola Jokic. Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammate, admitted that their Western Conference Finals matchup was the toughest challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder faced during the 2024-25 Playoffs.
However, with Jokic contemplating retirement—a decision he has not taken lightly—Gilgeous-Alexander’s position as the dominant player may strengthen over the coming years. This suggests that he could lead the league in this regard for several seasons ahead, shaping the future of the NBA.