Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns to Canadian hometown to celebrate NBA title

Gilgeous-Alexander had a rally in his honor before being recognized during the Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL game against the BC Lions.

Hamilton Stadium was filled to the rafters as a sold-out crowd celebrated one of their own during an incredible night for the city and country. 

Gilgeous-Alexander was also given a key to the city of Hamilton and a street named after him, now known as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Way.

Part of the dream of winning a championship is being able to bring the trophy home and celebrate where it all started, and SGA got to do it all on a day he'll never forget.

It's been an incredible journey for the 27-year-old, who began his career with the Los Angeles Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander was a part of the blockbuster trade that sent forward Paul George to L.A. on the same night Kawhi Leonard signed with the team. 

Gilgeous-Alexander was somewhat of an afterthought in all of the action, with the five first-round picks being the focus of the return for Oklahoma City. However, he's flipped the trade on its ear, emerging as the face of the franchise and one of the league's best players, leading the Thunder to an NBA title before the Clippers have even come close.

The debates about whether Gilgeous-Alexander or point guard Steve Nash is the best Canadian basketball player will persist. But the trajectory SGA is on sets up for plenty more special moments to come, and he hopes to be able to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Hamilton again next summer.