It has been a relatively quiet NBA offseason for the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was to be expected after their run to a championship last season.

Of course, the Thunder put together a historic season last year as they dominated their way to the championship with their star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams leading the way.

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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2)© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2)© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City is now set to enter next season as the favorite to win the championship once again as they have their entire core from last season returning along with some new roster additions.

Shai is a major reason why the Thunder are expected to enter next season as the title favorite and after he, Williams and Holmgren all signed max contract extensions this summer, Oklahoma City is likely set to be a powerhouse for the foreseeable future.

Ronnie 2K reveals why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is NBA 2K26 cover athlete

For Shai, he put together a historic campaign last season and his accolades continued this summer as he was named as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26.

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Ronnie 2K recently revealed why they chose Shai as the cover star for NBA 2K26 in an interview with OKC Thunder Wire’s Clemente Almanza.

“Yeah, I mean, what a no-brainer in a lot of ways. Looking back now, obviously coming off a massively successful season, leading the league in points, putting out numbers across the board, winning an MVP and winning a championship. And then having celebrated this championship massively over the course of the offseason,” Ronnie 2K said. “I mean, there is no bigger story than Shai and what a partner.”

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Ronnie 2K had a ton of praise for Shai and there is no doubt that both he and many around the league believe that the Thunder’s star deserved to be on the cover of NBA 2K26.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Of course, Shai is coming off an incredible season that saw him win his first MVP award while also being named Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP as well.

Last season, the 27-year-old star guard averaged an NBA-best 32.7 points to go along with 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from three.

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Because of this, he was chosen as the cover star for NBA 2K26 and it was revealed on Thursday that he will have a 98 overall rating, which is tied with Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic as the highest rating in the game.

While this is another massive accomplishment for Shai, he is focused on helping the Thunder win back-to-back championships next season.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.