Cousins Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker Shine as MVP and MIP Contenders

Family ties fuel parallel NBA ascents as Oklahoma City's Shai and Atlanta's Nickeil reach new heights

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:14am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competitive energy of two NBA players, with overlapping planes and fractured perspectives capturing the essence of their parallel rise to stardom.The parallel ascent of NBA cousins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, both contending for individual awards, reflects the power of resilience and family support in professional sports.Oklahoma City Today

It's a remarkable story to see NBA cousins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker both achieve career-defining seasons, with Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as an MVP contender and Alexander-Walker surging as a Most Improved Player favorite. Their shared journey and mutual support highlight the power of resilience and opportunity in professional sports.

Why it matters

This narrative of family members reaching the pinnacle of the NBA simultaneously is truly inspiring. It showcases the different paths players can take to unlock their full potential, and how support from loved ones can be a driving force behind success. The contrasting journeys of Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker are a powerful reminder that development isn't always linear, and that overcoming adversity can lead to the most impressive growth.

The details

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has once again established himself as an MVP contender, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top seed. Meanwhile, his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker has undergone a remarkable transformation, more than doubling his scoring average and becoming a bona fide star for the Atlanta Hawks in his first year of a new deal. Alexander-Walker's improved efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a key factor in the Hawks' recent hot streak and their emergence as a playoff threat.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP contender throughout the 2026 NBA season.
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker has enjoyed a breakout campaign, emerging as a Most Improved Player favorite.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and cousin of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as an MVP contender with his dominant play this season.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Atlanta Hawks' rising star and cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, becoming a leading candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

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What they’re saying

“Nickeil's perseverance, being ready when the moment arrived, is what's so impressive. His path was more challenging, but it's ultimately what forged his current success.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Star

“This isn't just about putting up numbers; it's about seizing an opportunity that felt elusive for so long. Many players fade away when their initial NBA dreams don't materialize as planned, but Alexander-Walker's resilience is a testament to his dedication.”

— Jerrold Considine, Sports Writer

What’s next

The NBA community will closely follow the progress of both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker as they continue their pursuit of individual accolades and team success. The upcoming playoffs will be a crucial stage for their continued rise to stardom.

The takeaway

The parallel ascent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a powerful testament to the importance of resilience, opportunity, and the support of family in the NBA. Their story serves as an inspiration for players facing challenges in their careers, reminding us that the most impressive growth can come from overcoming adversity.