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This NBA MVP Gifted His Whole Team Audemars Piguet Watches

This NBA MVP Gifted His Whole Team Audemars Piguet Watches

Celebrating his back-to-back MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went all out at AP.

Every sports team has its star player, but as NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning, once said, “The most valuable player is the one that makes the most players valuable." It’s the reason for this unspoken ritual: captains and quarterbacks surprising teammates with extravagant gifts at the end of seasons, as a thank-you for protecting, motivating, and contributing to the team's overall success. And we’re not talking about a nice dinner out or a Starbucks gift card, but gifts like luxury watches, ebikes, golf club sets, and even brand-new cars. Last year, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, and to celebrate the occasion, he splurged and bought his whole team new Rolex watches. 

This year, Shai went back-to-back and was awarded MVP for the 2025-26 season, and knowing he had to take things a step further, the 27-year-old Point Guard shocked his team with new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches. SportsCenter broke the news after teammate Jaylin Williams posted an Instagram story of the whole team showing off their new AP watches and designer trench coats, with Shai in the background smiling at OKC’s training facility. And, rather than buying the same model in bulk to make it easy on himself, he chose to offer a mix between Audemars Piguet’s classic stainless-steel Royal Oak (ref. 16202ST) on an integrated bracelet and the nautical Royal Oak Offshore Diver (ref. 15720ST).

With an 18-player roster, the small token of appreciation is valued at well over half a million dollars. For Shai himself, the yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, with a smoked green-toned dial, is his go-to choice. As the Oklahoma City Thunder kicks off its NBA Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP status and a locker room full of new Audemars Piguet watches may be the motivation that takes the team to the NBA Finals.

 

Source: ESPN

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