Most notably the NBA's MVP of the regular season. On Wednesday it was announced that the winner of the MVP went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, as he etched out Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets for ownership of the title.

Alexander’s eyes darted around at the crowd, searching for where he’d begin his speech. There was no script folded into the many pockets embroidered onto his beige button down.  Rows of white chairs faced his lectern like a ceremony meant for the White House lawn.