Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has reached another remarkable milestone in his career by being named the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, an honor that highlights his exceptional performance during a historic NBA season. This announcement was made on Tuesday, alongside a preview of the game cover featuring the talented player.
This latest recognition is just one of many accolades Gilgeous-Alexander accumulated over the past season. He not only led the league in scoring but also secured his first MVP award. Additionally, he played a crucial role in leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship, earning the MVP title for both the Western Conference Finals and the NBA Finals in the process.
His impressive achievements did not stop there. Gilgeous-Alexander was an All-Star starter and received first-team All-NBA honors, solidifying his status among the top players in the league. To top it all off, he recently agreed to a supermax contract extension with the Thunder worth $285 million over four years.
Given his standout performance, selecting Gilgeous-Alexander as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26 was a straightforward choice. His dominance on the court and his status as a fan favorite made him the ideal representative for the game.
Over the course of 76 games, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged an impressive 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, showcasing his all-around skills. His shooting accuracy was also notable, with a field goal percentage of 51.9% and a three-point percentage of 37.5%. Advanced metrics highlight his greatness even further; he led the NBA in win shares per 48 minutes, a stat often used to predict MVP success. Only Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP winner, was close behind him in this category.
Looking ahead, expectations are sky-high for the Thunder as they approach the upcoming season. Gilgeous-Alexander and his young teammates, who were instrumental in their championship run, are expected to shine once more. The Thunder have opened with a projected win total of 62.5 games, the highest since the 2018-19 Golden State Warriors, who featured superstar talents like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
As the team gears up for another competitive season, experts and fans alike anticipate Gilgeous-Alexander rising to the occasion. He aims not only to replicate last season’s successes but to etch his name into the annals of NBA history as a repeat champion.
