Shai Gilgeous-Alexander honored with key to the city and street naming in Hamilton after historic season

The celebrations from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA championship run are still going strong, and this week, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy back home to Hamilton, Ontario.

On Thursday, the city hosted Shai Rally Day at Hamilton Stadium, honoring the Thunder star’s historic year — one that included NBA MVP, Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP, and the league scoring title. In front of thousands of fans, including many wearing his No. 2 jersey, Gilgeous-Alexander received the Key to the City from Mayor Andrea Horwath and learned a street will soon bear his name.

“Growing up as I travelled across the world… I took pride in letting everyone know I was from Hamilton,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the crowd while hoisting the NBA trophy. “Hamilton is different from every other city in Ontario… I carry that with me every day and everywhere I go, so you can only imagine the overwhelming joy I felt.”

The 27-year-old also appeared during the CFL game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and B.C. Lions, calling the moment emotional after reflecting on his journey from a young Hamilton athlete to NBA champion. This offseason has been a whirlwind for Gilgeous-Alexander, who also signed a supermax extension, was named NBA 2K26 cover athlete, and won multiple ESPY awards.