When the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Paul George back in the summer of 2019, it looked like a seismic shift for the franchise. But in hindsight, it may just go down as the most important deal in Thunder history - and possibly one of the best trades in the modern NBA era.
The centerpiece of that return? A young guard named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Fast forward to today, and Gilgeous-Alexander isn't just the face of the Thunder - he's the face of a championship team. Since arriving in Oklahoma City, he’s blossomed into a full-fledged superstar, culminating in a 2025 campaign where he captured the regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, and led the Thunder to an NBA title. That’s not just a breakout year - that’s a legacy-defining one.
And now, with that résumé, the conversation around Gilgeous-Alexander has expanded beyond Oklahoma City. It’s gone national - and for Canadian basketball fans, it’s gone generational.
For years, Steve Nash was the undisputed king of Canadian basketball. Two-time MVP, Hall of Famer, and one of the most cerebral point guards the game has ever seen. His vision, passing, and leadership defined an era, even if the one thing that eluded him was a championship ring.
But now, even Nash himself is ready to pass the torch.
"I'm gonna say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander," Nash said during a recent NBA broadcast on Prime Video, when asked who he believes is the greatest Canadian player in NBA history.
That’s not just a compliment - that’s a coronation. Coming from Nash, it carries weight. He’s not just recognizing Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level production, but also the one thing Nash never got to claim: Finals MVP and a championship ring.
What makes this so compelling isn’t just the accolades - it’s the way Shai has done it. He’s evolved into one of the league’s most complete guards: a crafty scorer, elite playmaker, and a two-way force who can lead on both ends of the floor. He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s changing the game for OKC, turning a young, rebuilding roster into a title-winning squad.
Of course, Nash’s legacy isn’t going anywhere. He paved the way for Canadian basketball, inspiring a generation of players - including Gilgeous-Alexander - to believe they could thrive on the NBA’s biggest stage. His impact isn’t measured just in stats or awards, but in the doors he opened.
Still, it’s clear: the basketball world is watching a new chapter unfold. And if Shai keeps this up, the debate about the best Canadian player ever might not be much of a debate for long.