NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Honored with Key to Hamilton—What This Means for His Future Raises Eyebrows

“Hamilton is different from every other city in Ontario, Hamiltonians carry a different sense of grit, determination, pride and energy than the rest of the province and honestly, I couldn’t shy away from that. I carry that with me every day and everywhere I go so you guys can only imagine how (much) overwhelming joy there was when I found out I was getting a key to the city I love and a street named after me.”

“Growing up as I traveled across the world, to countless states, cities and countries people always asked where I was from,” Gilgeous-Alexander told a raucous gathering in the north end zone after hoisting the NBA championship trophy over his head. “I took pride in letting everyone know I was from Hamilton.There’s something downright electrifying about seeing a hometown hero return, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s visit to Hamilton was nothing short of that kind of magic. After a season that had basketball fans on the edge of their seats, the NBA’s MVP didn’t just bring home the title for Oklahoma City—he brought a piece of Hamilton’s heart with him. Picture this: a roaring crowd at Hamilton Stadium, Mayor Andrea Horwath handing over the key to the city, and an announcement that a street will forever bear the name of this basketball phenom. Shai’s pride in his roots? Absolutely contagious. He wasn’t just celebrating a win; he was celebrating the grit, determination, and unmistakable spirit that sets Hamiltonians apart. When he took the spotlight again later that night during the CFL game, it was clear—this wasn’t just a champion coming home. It was a hometown legend embracing his legacy. LEARN MOREHorwath also announced the Oklahoma City star will have a street named after him after capping an epic season by leading Thunder to the NBA title.Gilgeous-Alexander returned to the Stadium on Thursday night. He was honored to start the second quarter of the CFL game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the B.C. Lions.HAMILTON, Ontario (AP) — NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received the key to the city of Hamilton from Mayor Andrea Horwath at a public rally Thursday at Hamilton Stadium.