Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, for a day that celebrated both his basketball success and his enduring connection to the community. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard drew a large crowd at Tim Hortons Field, where fans of all ages gathered to see one of the city’s most famous athletes in person.

The event was filled with music, local pride, and numerous opportunities for fans to interact with the NBA star. From taking photos to signing autographs, Shai made sure the day was as much about the people in the stands as it was about him.

It all came together as part of a rally marking “SGA Day,” a hometown honor officially awarded by the city. Standing before the crowd, Shai summed up the moment with an inspiring line: “You can do anything you want to do… especially if you’re from Hamilton!”

In addition to this, he was also given a key to the city by mayor Andrea Horwath, with the announcement that a street in the city will also be named in his honor. The timing, just ahead of a new NBA season, added an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to see what SGA will do next on the court.

Beyond the formalities, it was a chance for Shai to interact with the people who have followed his journey from the local courts to NBA superstardom. He posed for photos, signed jerseys, and made time for conversations, never letting the size of the crowd take away from the one-on-one connections. The celebration also served as a reminder of how much his success has inspired the next generation of athletes in Hamilton. Fans showed up in Thunder gear, eager for a glimpse of someone who once walked the same city streets they do now.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Keeps a Young Fan Honest About His NBA Dreams

Away from the stage, Gilgeous-Alexander also found time to connect personally with younger fans, with one particular exchange standing out. In a video shared on Instagram, the Thunder guard is seen meeting a teenager clutching a basketball. With a mix of seriousness and playfulness, SGA asked, “You going to the NBA?” following up sharply: “Don’t lie to me!”

The clip, captioned “@shai making sure this young fan keeps his word about playing in the NBA 👏,” was a blend of humor and motivation. It reflected the same message he had given the Hamilton crowd earlier: keeping yourself grounded and accountable.

It’s this mix of hometown pride and mentorship that has made Gilgeous-Alexander more than just a star athlete in Hamilton. Whether speaking to thousands from a stage or meeting an aspiring player, he carries the same energy: a challenge to dream bigger.