The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the best teams of the 2024-25 NBA season, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, a two-time NBA MVP has offered a strong opinion on the Canadian guard.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 27, 2024.
© Joshua Gateley/Getty ImagesShai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 27, 2024.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is clearly having the best season of his NBA career.

He has been the main reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder have dominated the Western Conference this year and, should they maintain this level of play, the team is shaping up to be serious contenders in the playoffs.

Recently, a two-time NBA MVP showered praise on the Canadian guard.

When asked who he believes deserves to be named MVP for his performance thus far in the 2024-25 regular season, Steve Nash, the legendary Phoenix Suns point guard, did not hesitate: “I would say Shai,” he shared in a recent interview with Flashscore.

“You know, total respect to Curry. I know I’m going to forget someone, but Jalen Brunson’s been amazing.

There’s so many terrific guards out there,” Nash later added, making it clear that his choice was difficult due to the sheer talent present in the league. “But Shai right now for me is, I think he’s the MVP this year.”

Delving deeper into the merits that make the Thunder guard worthy of such recognition, Steve elaborated: “I think he’s just an incredible leader for his team.

Great high character, 30 points a game, high efficiency, impossible in isolation to defend. So I would say Shai.”

Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns during a game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 27, 2012.

Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns during a game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 27, 2012.

Shai’s numbers this season

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 50-11 record this season can be attributed, in part, to the outstanding performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Canadian guard has played in 60 of the team’s 61 games this season and is putting up some of the best numbers of his career.

Shai is having his best season in the NBA in terms of points per game, averaging an impressive 32.6, which ranks him first in the league this year, ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.8) and Nikola Jokic (28.9). In addition, Gilgeous-Alexander is recording 6.2 assists (matching his career high), 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.

Nash knows what he’s talking about

With nearly 20 years of experience in the NBA, Steve Nash is more than qualified to offer an insightful opinion on the league’s best players.

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What makes his perspective especially valuable is his own distinction as a two-time NBA MVP.

In 2005 and 2006, Nash earned MVP honors due to his impressive performances with the Phoenix Suns, the franchise he spent most of his career with in the NBA.

He also made history as the first non-American player to win the MVP award, paving the way for future international stars.

The first NBA MVP was Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks in 1956. For the next 49 years, all MVP winners were either from the United States or naturalized Americans, such as Hakeem Olajuwon, until Steve Nash, born in South Africa but raised in Canada, broke the mold.

Following Nash, other international players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic continued the trend.