Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named to all-NBA first team after stellar season

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoots between San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones, left, forward Trey Lyles, second from left, and guard Patty Mills, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got his first career all-NBA nod on Wednesday, securing a spot on the first team.

The Hamilton native averaged a career-high 31.4 points per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was good for fourth in the league.

Meanwhile, the young Thunder squad narrowly missed the playoffs after falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in tournament following two tough seasons.

Gilgeous-Alexander received 63 first-team votes, 29 second-team votes and five third-team votes. His 407 total points as a result of the voting were the most for any guard in the NBA.

The 24-year-old was just the fourth Canadian player to be named an all-star in February, which was also a first in his career. Steve Nash, Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins and Jamaal Magloire are the others.

Joining Gilgeous-Alexander on the first team are Philadelphia centre and league MVP Joel Embiid, Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston forward Jayson Tatum and Dallas guard Luka Doncic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 10, 2023.