Canadian NBA MVPs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash. Has a nice ring to it. In the vast history of the NBA, the prestigious Most Valuable Player award has been dominated by American legends and international superstars. But for Canadians, two names rise above all others—Steve Nash and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They are the only Canadians to ever win the NBA MVP award, and each left an unmistakable mark on the league in profoundly different eras. One was a trailblazing point guard who transformed team basketball in the mid-2000s. The other is a modern scoring assassin who led a young team back to title contention. Their MVP seasons were defining moments for their franchises, the NBA, and for basketball in Canada.
Steve Nash: From Victoria to NBA Royalty
Steve Nash’s story begins far from the glamour of NBA arenas. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1974, Nash moved to Victoria, British Columbia, at just 18 months old. It was in Victoria that Nash developed a love for sports—not just basketball, but soccer, hockey, and rugby. He was a gifted all-around athlete. But basketball eventually stole his heart during his teenage years at St. Michaels University School.
Nash didn’t receive much attention from U.S. colleges despite being one of the best high school players in Canada. He sent out his own highlight tapes to American programs and received a single scholarship offer—from Santa Clara University in California. There, he became a standout, leading the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. By the time he entered the 1996 NBA Draft, he was seen as a hidden gem, eventually selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns.
Nash’s MVP Seasons and Impact
After developing with the Suns and later flourishing with the Dallas Mavericks, Nash returned to Phoenix in 2004 as a seasoned veteran. Under head coach Mike D’Antoni, Nash piloted the revolutionary “Seven Seconds or Less” offense. In the 2004–05 season, Nash averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 assists per game, leading the Suns to a league-best 62–20 record and winning his first MVP award.
He repeated the feat in 2005–06, again orchestrating one of the NBA’s most potent offenses while dealing with injuries to key teammates. His leadership and court vision turned role players into stars, and his infectious style of unselfish basketball influenced a generation of playmakers that followed.
The Face of Canadian Basketball
For young Canadians, Nash was a revelation. Before him, Canada had produced NBA players, but never a superstar. His back-to-back MVPs weren’t just personal achievements—they were national milestones. Nash became a global ambassador for the game and an icon in Canadian sport, paving the way for basketball to grow in a country traditionally dominated by hockey. His influence helped plant the seeds for Canada’s modern basketball boom.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: From Hamilton to NBA MVP
Nearly two decades later, a new Canadian basketball star emerged—one whose path was entirely different but equally remarkable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Toronto in 1998 and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Basketball ran in his family. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, was an Olympian sprinter who competed for Antigua and Barbuda, while his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker would also become an NBA player.
Shai’s basketball journey started in Canadian gyms and community centers, but his talent became too big to stay local. As a teenager, he transferred to high school programs in the United States, first in Tennessee and then in Tennessee-Chattanooga. His combination of length, athleticism, and intelligence earned him a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he became a breakout star under coach John Calipari.
Shai was drafted 11th overall in 2018 by the Charlotte Hornets but was immediately traded to the LA Clippers. After an impressive rookie year, he was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the Paul George trade—a move that would prove monumental for both his career and the future of the franchise.
The 2024–25 MVP Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise had been steady for years, but the 2024–25 NBA season was his true explosion. He led the Thunder to a 59–23 record—one of the best in the league—while averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. His efficiency was elite, his poise unmatched, and his leadership critical to a young OKC squad exceeding all expectations.
He became a late-game assassin, often saving his best work for the fourth quarter. Defensively, he evolved into a respected on-ball stopper. Offensively, he tortured teams with his unorthodox rhythm, deadly midrange jumper, and ability to get to the line. It was a complete, dominant season that earned him the league’s highest individual honor—making him just the second Canadian, after Nash, to win MVP.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Shai’s MVP resonated differently than Nash’s. While Nash blazed the trail, Shai showed the full arrival of Canadian basketball on the world stage. His upbringing in the Greater Toronto Area, his community involvement, and his connection to Canada’s youth made his rise deeply personal for Canadian fans. He wasn’t just a success story—he was their success story.
Statistical Comparison: Nash vs. Shai
| Player | MVP Season | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Team Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Nash | 2004–05 | 15.5 | 11.5 | 3.3 | 62–20 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 2024–25 | 32.7 | 6.4 | 5.0 | 59–23 |
Two MVPs, One Legacy
Steve Nash and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represent two very different eras of basketball, but they are united by their impact on Canada. Nash inspired a generation to dream, to play, and to believe they belonged. Shai fulfilled that dream, proving that Canada doesn’t just produce NBA talent—it produces the NBA’s very best.
Both MVPs showed the power of humility, hard work, and excellence. They stayed true to their Canadian roots, proudly representing their heritage on the game’s biggest stage. Their influence extends far beyond the court—into classrooms, community centers, and every gym where a Canadian kid puts up a jump shot and imagines hearing their name called at center court.
What’s Next for Canadian Basketball?
Canada is no longer an emerging basketball country—it’s a powerhouse. With rising stars like Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Shaedon Sharpe, and RJ Barrett continuing to develop, the pipeline is flowing stronger than ever. Canada’s bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and their Olympic berth for Paris 2024 further affirm the country’s basketball ascendancy.
Yet, even with this success, Nash and Gilgeous-Alexander remain the standard. They are the benchmarks. The MVPs. And as young players across the country lace up their shoes, they do so knowing that greatness is not just a possibility—it’s part of their national identity.
Conclusion: A Proud Basketball Nation
The NBA MVP award is the pinnacle of individual achievement in professional basketball. That two Canadians have reached it—one a self-made point guard from Victoria, and the other a quiet assassin from Hamilton—is a testament to the growth and future of basketball in Canada.
Steve Nash and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just win MVP trophies—they built a legacy of excellence, humility, and inspiration. For Canadian fans, their triumphs are national victories. For the basketball world, they are reminders that the game is global—and that Canada is not just watching anymore. Canada is leading. Canadian NBA MVPs: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash, again, a nice ring to it.
