For years, NBA fans have watched Shai Gilgeous-Alexander evolve. From a skinny guard drafted 11th overall in 2018 to a quiet force traded to a rebuilding Thunder team—few predicted that in just seven seasons, he would stand atop the NBA as its Most Valuable Player. But here we are. In the 2024–25 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or simply Shai, didn’t just prove doubters wrong—he redefined dominance.
And while his MVP win has made headlines, fans have also been curious about another side of him: his personal life. So, yes—Hailey Summers is the woman beside the MVP. The soccer star and longtime girlfriend of Shai has become a figure of interest herself, as the two quietly stand as one of the most grounded and private couples in pro sports.
But let’s get back to the hardwood—because what Shai did this season was nothing short of legendary.
The Rise of a Reluctant Superstar
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to MVP wasn’t overnight. He finished 5th in MVP voting in 2023, then climbed to 2nd last season, just shy of the crown. This year, he didn’t leave it to chance.
The Oklahoma City Thunder posted a jaw-dropping 68-win season, the best in franchise history. Their transformation from a 40-win Play-In team to an unstoppable Western Conference force mirrored the rise of their leader. And when it was time for ballots to be cast, 71 out of 100 first-place MVP votes went to Shai. He edged out Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, solidifying his place in basketball history.
But what made Shai’s MVP campaign different wasn’t just the wins—it was the way he did it.
Numbers Don’t Lie: One of the Greatest Seasons Ever
Shai finished the regular season averaging:
- 32.7 points per game (a career-high and league-best)
- 6.4 assists
- 5.0 rebounds
- 1.7 steals
- 51.7% field goal shooting
- 37.5% from three
- 89.6% from the free-throw line
And the kicker? He led the league in free throws made and had a True Shooting percentage of 63.7%, rivaling Steph Curry’s efficiency during his first MVP season—except Shai did it while taking more shots than Curry ever has in a season.
Few players in NBA history have combined volume scoring, efficiency, and defensive presence like this. The only other players to put up similar all-around stats? Michael Jordan and James Harden. And yet, none of them did it in just 34 minutes per game or with fewer than 200 turnovers for the season.
This wasn’t just an MVP season. It was an all-time season.
More Than Just Offense
What set Shai apart was also his two-way presence. On a Thunder team known for its elite defense, Shai wasn’t just the offensive engine—he was one of the best defenders at his position. He ranked near the top in deflections, steals, and defensive win shares among guards.
While Jokic and Giannis dazzled with their stats, Shai’s complete package—offensive firepower, defensive grit, leadership, and clutch performance—was undeniable.
Hailey Summers: The Quiet Partner Behind the MVP
While Shai shined under the lights, Hailey Summers, his partner, remained a calming presence behind the scenes. The couple has kept a relatively low profile, but Hailey, a former standout soccer player, has been a constant supporter throughout Shai’s career.
The two have built a relationship based on mutual understanding of elite sports pressure, discipline, and media attention—without letting the fame change their essence. As Shai’s star rises, fans continue to admire the grounded nature of their bond.
Canadian Greatness 2.0
Shai’s MVP win marks a monumental moment for Canadian basketball. Steve Nash, a two-time MVP, once symbolized the impossible dream for Canadian hoops. Now, Shai carries that torch—but with a key difference.
Nash was a lone pioneer. Shai is part of a Canadian wave. In this year’s playoffs alone, multiple Canadian stars are battling deep into the postseason. But make no mistake: Shai is the crown jewel.
He’s now the best Canadian player in the league. And perhaps the best Canada has ever produced.
MVP Today, Champion Tomorrow?
With the Thunder dominating Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the real prize still lies ahead: a potential NBA championship. And if they do go all the way, this season may be remembered not just as the year Shai won MVP—but as the beginning of an era.
The MVP award caps a phenomenal regular season, but Shai isn’t done. “I always try to find a way to get better every year,” he said earlier this season. The scary part? He means it.
What’s Next?
This summer, Shai is eligible for a $294 million extension—the richest in NBA history. That would make him the highest-paid player in the league, earning an astounding $73.3 million per season. But for Shai, it’s not about the money. It’s about legacy.
He’s still just 26 years old. He’s only getting started.
And as long as he’s leading the Thunder, backed by fans, teammates, and the quiet strength of Hailey Summers—the MVP is here to stay.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins 2024-2025 NBA MVP
