(Toronto) Even when we point out that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named athlete of the year in Canada, the Ontarian remains very modest.
The Thunder guard officially received the Northern Star trophy Friday morning ahead of his team’s game in Toronto against the Raptors.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a candidate for NBA Most Valuable Player this season. Oklahoma City started the day at the top of the West and what’s more, the Hamilton athlete will represent Canada at the Paris Olympic Games this summer.
“It’s a blessing. A lot of people work hard and do a lot of good things, but don’t get the opportunities I had, Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“I feel humbled that it’s coming to fruition. There’s also a bit of luck in there. That’s all a young person can ask for. »
The 25-year-old was instrumental in Canada’s World Cup bronze in September. He is also one of 14 players who have committed to taking part in the Summer Olympics.
He continued his momentum in the NBA this season with averages of 30.9 points, 6.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game, helping the Thunder to a 48-20 record.
He has a brilliant success rate of 54.4% in continuous play (the best frequency of guards in the NBA), and his 2.1 steals per game are a high in the circuit.
“It’s exciting,” SGA said. I want to see what other efforts I can make and what more things I can accomplish. »
He is only the second NBA player to win the Northern Star after Steve Nash with the Phoenix Suns in 2005.
This honor is given after a vote involving sports journalists from across Canada. They represent the Toronto Star, the Canadian Press, FAN590, la Presse, the Globe and Mail, CBC, Rogers Sportsnet, CTV/TSN and Postmedia.
Although he won the award on December 11, he was not able to receive it in person until Friday. The honor was presented to him by Dave Washburn, who directs sports content at the Toronto Star.
“It’s amazing,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. It’s hard to find the words, knowing that guys like Steve Nash got it and considering how far I’ve come. It seemed almost impossible, but it’s special to accomplish some of the things he did. »
Quebecer Luguentz Dort, his teammate with OKC and with Canada, said it’s great to see his friend succeed.
“It’s a great reward,” declared the Montreal-North athlete. To see my teammate and one of my brothers achieve it, it makes me really happy. »
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said it’s the result of Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts on and off the court.
“The guys work so hard and sacrifice so much,” Daigneault said. They’re all unicorns by being in the NBA—not just Shai, although he’s obviously a great player.
“Every NBA player has a great story and there’s so much work behind it. When we recognize it, I’m always extremely happy, just from seeing how hard they work. »
The OKC-Toronto game on Friday will take place starting at 7 p.m. on Sportsnet One.