History of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Timeline

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's a four-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA First Team member. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 season. In the same season, he led the Thunder to their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, becoming the 11th Canadian to win an NBA title.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1936: Reference to 1936 Olympics

In 2023, Canada won its first medal at a major global tournament since the 1936 Summer Olympics.

1992: Mother Competes in Olympics

In 1992, Charmaine Gilgeous, Shai's mother, competed in the women's 400 metres for Antigua and Barbuda at the Summer Olympics.

July 12, 1998: Birth of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born on July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Steve Nash's First MVP Award

In 2005, Steve Nash first claimed the NBA MVP award.

2005: Steve Nash wins Northern Star Award

In 2005, Steve Nash first won the Northern Star Award.

2006: Steve Nash's Second MVP Award

In 2006, Steve Nash claimed his second consecutive NBA MVP award.

November 2015: Commitment to Florida Gators

In November 2015, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander verbally committed to play college basketball for the Florida Gators.

2015: Relocation to the United States

In 2015, Gilgeous-Alexander relocated to the United States to attend Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

October 2016: Decommitment from Florida Gators

In October 2016, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander decommitted from the Florida Gators.

November 14, 2016: Commitment to Kentucky Wildcats

On November 14, 2016, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander announced his decision to play for the Kentucky Wildcats after signing his national letter of intent.

2016: Canada at FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship and Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2016, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represented Canada at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, where the team won silver. He also joined the senior national team for the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where Canada lost to France and failed to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

2016: Basketball Without Borders Camp

In early 2016, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander participated in the Basketball Without Borders development camp.

December 29, 2017: 24 Points against Louisville

On December 29, 2017, Alexander recorded 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists against Louisville.

2017: Graduation from Hamilton Heights

In 2017, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander graduated from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

2017: Kentucky Derby Festival MVP and Nike Hoop Summit

In 2017, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander participated in the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic and was named MVP. He also represented the World Select Team at the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 11 points.

April 9, 2018: Declared for the NBA Draft

On April 9, 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander declared for the 2018 NBA draft after his freshman season at Kentucky.

June 21, 2018: Drafted by Charlotte Hornets and Traded

On June 21, 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA draft and was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

December 17, 2018: Season-Best 24 Points

On December 17, 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a season-best 24 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2018: NBA Draft

In 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA draft before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on draft night.

2018: NBA Summer League Performance

In 2018, during the NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, becoming the first player in Las Vegas Summer League history to average at least 19.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals over a minimum of three appearances.

January 18, 2019: Matches Season-Best 24 Points

On January 18, 2019, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched his season-best with 24 points in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

July 10, 2019: Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 10, 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Gilgeous-Alexander to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George, draft picks, and swap rights.

July 2019: Trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder

In July 2019, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder following his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

January 13, 2020: First Career Triple-Double

On January 13, 2020, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists, and 20 rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the youngest player to achieve a 20-20-10 statline in the last 30 years.

July 8, 2020: Endorsement Deal with Converse

On July 8, 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander signed an endorsement deal with Converse.

December 26, 2020: Game-Winning Shot Against Hornets

On December 26, 2020, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points, had 9 assists and made a game-winning jump shot in a 109–107 win against the Charlotte Hornets.

2020: Led Thunder to Playoffs

In 2020, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the leading scorer for the Thunder and led the team to the NBA playoffs as the fifth seed.

February 24, 2021: Career-High 42 Points

On February 24, 2021, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a then-career-high 42 points in a 102–99 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

August 3, 2021: Rookie Extension with the Thunder

On August 3, 2021, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder agreed to a five-year, $172 million rookie extension.

December 18, 2021: Game-Winning Shot Against Clippers

On December 18, 2021, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 18 points and made a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Thunder over his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, 104–103.

March 28, 2022: Ruled Out for the Season

On March 28, 2022, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

May 24, 2022: Commitment to National Team

On May 24, 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander was among 14 players who committed to playing with the Canadian national team for three years to try and qualify for the Olympic basketball tournament.

October 31, 2022: NBA Western Conference Player of the Week

On October 31, 2022, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 2 (October 24–30), marking his second career NBA Player of the Week award. He led the Thunder to an undefeated 3–0 week.

2022: Criticism for Free Throw Numbers

Beginning in 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander faced criticism for his high free throw numbers. Richard Jefferson defended him, noting that his free throws were not an issue until his team's success.

February 2, 2023: Named to First NBA All-Star Game

On February 2, 2023, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named to his first-ever NBA All-Star Game as a reserve guard for the Western Conference.

May 2023: Purchase and Lawsuit Regarding Lakefront Property

In May 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander purchased a lakefront property in Burlington, Ontario, previously occupied by Aiden Pleterski. Due to security concerns, he vacated the property and filed a lawsuit to rescind the purchase, which he won.

2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup and Awards

In 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada to a historic bronze medal at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, securing a berth at the 2024 Summer Olympics. He was named to the All-Tournament Team and later received the Northern Star Award and Lionel Conacher Award, recognizing him as Canada's Athlete of the Year.

2023: All-Defensive Team Votes

In 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander received All-Defensive Team votes.

2023: All-Star and All-NBA First Team Selection

In 2023, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named to his first NBA All-Star Game and voted to the All-NBA First Team, finishing fourth in league scoring with 31.4 points per game.

2023: Bronze Medal and Northern Star Award

In 2023, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the bronze medal at the FIBA Basketball World Cup with the Canada men's national basketball team and was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also received the Northern Star Award as Canada's Athlete of the Year in 2023.

2023: Reebok Interest

In 2023, Shaquille O'Neal attempted to sign Gilgeous-Alexander to Reebok.

February 14, 2024: Marriage to Hailey Summers

On February 14, 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander married his high school sweetheart, Hailey Summers.

April 25, 2024: Birth of Son, Ares

On April 25, 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander and his wife, Hailey Summers, welcomed their son, Ares.

2024: NBA Free Throws Leader

From the 2022-23 season to the 2024-25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in total free throws made.

2024: 2024 Summer Olympics Berth

In 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander helped secure a berth at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

2024: Defensive Player of the Year Award Voting

In 2024, Gilgeous-Alexander placed 7th in the voting for the Defensive Player of the Year Award and received All-Defensive Team votes.

2024: NBA MVP and Championship

In 2024, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle. He also became the 11th Canadian to win an NBA title in 2024.

September 4, 2025: SHAI 001 Sneaker Release

On September 4, 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander's signature sneaker line began with the release of the SHAI 001, as part of his role as Creative Director of Converse Basketball.

October 30, 2025: Home Burglary

On October 30, 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander's home in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, was burglarized while he was playing a game.

2025: All-Defensive Team Votes

In 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander received All-Defensive Team votes.

2025: Second Athlete of the Year Award

In 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander received the Northern Star Award as Canada's Athlete of the Year and the Lionel Conacher Award as the Canadian Press' choice for Canadian Male Athlete of the Year again.

2025: NBA Finals MVP and Championship

In 2025, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA Finals MVP award as the Thunder won the NBA Finals. He became the fourth player in NBA history to win the MVP award, Finals MVP award, and scoring title in the same season in 2025.

January 2, 2026: Named Western Conference Player of the Month

On January 2, 2026, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Western Conference Player of the Month for December after leading the Thunder to a 9–4 record, averaging 31.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 59.4 percent from the field. It was his fifth career Player of the Month honours.

January 7, 2026: Mid-Range Jumper at the Buzzer

On January 7, 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a mid-range jumper at the buzzer to force overtime against the Utah Jazz. He finished the game with 46 points, six rebounds, and six assists, leading the Thunder to a 129–125 overtime victory.