After a historic triple-MVP season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is eyeing another top individual honor. But even a reigning champion has areas to refine. What critical adjustments could elevate SGA’s game to an unstoppable level and secure his place as the league’s undisputed face? The path to back-to-back MVP campaigns isn’t just about maintaining; it’s about evolving. What do you think he needs most?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic 2025 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, securing a triple-MVP feat, set an unprecedented benchmark for NBA stardom. His extraordinary performance cemented him as a dominant force, leading the Thunder to a championship and establishing himself as a formidable candidate for future MVP honors. Now, as the basketball analysis world anticipates another SGA MVP campaign, the focus shifts to how the reigning champion can further elevate his already elite game through continuous player improvement.

Last year’s unprecedented run saw Gilgeous-Alexander claim the Season MVP, WCF MVP, and Finals MVP, a testament to his all-around impact and clutch performances. This rare achievement not only underscored his individual brilliance but also signaled a potential shift in the league’s hierarchy, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as the clear face of the NBA. The expectations for his continued ascendancy are remarkably high, demanding even greater refinement of his formidable skills.

Despite his championship success and NBA MVP accolades, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recognizes that the game of basketball is one of constant adjustments and evolution. His journey in Oklahoma City has been marked by continuous growth, transforming him into a perennial All-Star. For the Thunder guard to truly cement his place among the all-time greats and ensure another successful SGA MVP push, dedicated work on specific facets of his game remains crucial.

One area for significant player improvement lies in developing a consistently reliable three-point shot. Gilgeous-Alexander is already an unstoppable threat driving to the rim and boasts an unpredictable mid-range game, making opponents struggle with defensive schemes. Should SGA integrate a high-percentage, volume three-point shot into his arsenal, he would become an virtually unguardable scorer, potentially challenging for a second consecutive scoring title and enhancing his overall offensive efficiency.

Beyond scoring, enhancing his playmaking abilities will be vital for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s collective success. While his 12 assists in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals marked a career-high in that series, and he averaged a career-best 6.4 assists last season, further player improvement is necessary. Many elite guards in the NBA MVP conversation consistently deliver double-digit assist averages, effectively maximizing their teammates’ potential and creating a more dynamic offense for their teams. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to unlock the Thunder’s full offensive potential hinges on this advancement.

Furthermore, refining his shot selection will contribute significantly to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s overall efficiency, a hallmark of other MVP-caliber players like Jokic. As a guard, securing efficient field goal percentages presents a unique challenge, but SGA’s career 50.1% mark suggests a solid foundation. The challenge for him is to balance his natural scoring prowess with a more judicious approach, avoiding “hero balls” and instead allowing the game to unfold, taking optimal shots that boost both his individual numbers and team performance, a key focus in any thorough basketball analysis.

Ultimately, these strategic player improvement steps are not merely about individual statistics; they are about solidifying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy and making an undeniable case for yet another NBA MVP award. His continued growth, particularly in these refined areas, will elevate the Oklahoma City Thunder’s prominence and demonstrate his unwavering commitment to excellence. The upcoming season represents his biggest stage to prove why he deserves not only reigning SGA MVP status but also a permanent place in NBA history.