Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Takes Center Stage on NBA 2K26 Cover
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the standout guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been announced as the cover athlete for the Standard Edition of NBA 2K26. This news, revealed on July 8, 2025, comes after what many are dubbing the “Summer of SGA.” The announcement follows an incredible season where Gilgeous-Alexander not only secured the NBA MVP award but also earned both Finals MVP and the title of league scoring champion. He played a crucial role in leading Houston to its first championship since moving from Seattle.
A Season to Remember
The 2024-25 season was nothing short of remarkable for Gilgeous-Alexander. He averaged a career-high of 32.7 points per game, along with impressive stats that included 6.4 assists and 5 rebounds. His performance helped propel the Thunder to an astonishing record of 68-14, marking them as the top team in the league. With an average point differential of 12.9 points per game, they achieved one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history and clinched their championship title after a thrilling seven-game series against Indiana.
A Lucrative Contract and New Ventures
This year has been transformative for SGA, who at just 26 years old signed a lucrative contract extension worth approximately $285 million over four years strong>. This deal is among some of the richest contracts ever seen in NBA history, highlighting his immense value not only to OKC but also within professional basketball as a whole. Additionally, he has launched his inaugural signature shoe line this season-another significant milestone that adds to his already impressive list of achievements.
Kentucky Wildcats Legacy Continues on NBA Covers
This marks a notable moment as it's now three times that an alumnus from Kentucky's basketball program has appeared on an NBA 2K cover: following in footsteps laid by bothAnothony Davis (NBA 2K20) strong >andDevin Booker (NBA 2K23) strong >as fellow Kentucky guards featured prominently on previous editions.
The Rarity Of His Achievements
The choice to feature Gilgeous-Alexander was met with enthusiasm from analysts and insiders alike; many consider it obvious given how rare it is for any player to achieve all three honors-< strong>MVP strong >,< strong >Finals MVP strong >and< strong > scoring leader strong >in one single season-a feat accomplished by only four players: SGA himself alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal.
A Look Ahead at Upcoming Editions
NBA Games has confirmed pre-orders will kick off starting July 9th with plans set for release around early September 2025-consistent with their traditional launch schedule.
Additionally there are rumors circulating about potential special editions featuring WNBA stars or Hall-of-Fame tributes this year; Caitlin Clark could be among those highlighted if such versions materialize!
A Reflection On Last Year's Star Player
This announcement comes after last year's cover athlete,< em>Jayson Tatum em>, who graced< em>NBA 25 em>; Tatum led Boston Celtics towards victory during their championship run back in twenty-four while A'ja Wilson represented WNBA edition alongside Vince Carter's Hall-of-Fame tribute edition! p >
Sga's Journey To Stardom Is Now Immortalized In Gaming History!< / h3 >
This opportunity signifies more than just marketing success-it represents Shai's rise through ranks within professional basketball! From being drafted eleventh overall back during two thousand eighteen before spending time playing briefly with Clippers until blossoming into All-NBA selection today; he now finds himself immortalized forever inside marquee video games showcasing growth & greatness throughout journey thus far! p >
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