Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the leading candidates for the MVP award and deservingly so. Despite his stellar play and intricate role in OKC’s success, many negative narratives surround his name.
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On social media, SGA’s often accused of foul-baiting. Amid this growing noise, former NBA player Lou Williams stepped up to take the blame for teaching the star guard the art of drawing fouls.
Criticism toward Gilgeous-Alexander reached an all-time high following the Thunder’s 131-128 loss to the Timberwolves. Minnesota head coach Chris Finch let out his frustration toward officiating that favored SGA.
Fans quickly rallied behind Finch’s statement against Gilgeous-Alexander, and Williams couldn’t stay quiet for long. On FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, he apologized for being the one responsible for teaching Shai how to consistently get to the free throw line.
Behind a sly smile, Williams said, “Shai was with me early on and we did teach him how to draw fouls. He’s a master at this. You should be frustrated with this… But he catches guys slipping.”
Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander were Clippers teammates for a season before the team sent SGA to the Thunder as a part of the massive Paul George trade. Williams doesn’t fault SGA for his foul antics. He says it’s just part of the guard’s outstanding offensive ability.
Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league. He is stellar in the mid-range and can drive to the basket with ease. As a result, SGA capitalizes on defenders’ vulnerability and earns trips to the free-throw line.
Williams went on to make a compelling point that any player would take advantage of the opportunity to earn 8-10 points from the free-throw line. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Trae Young follow the same blueprint as Shai.
Gilgeous-Alexander is having an amazing year at the free-throw line
Gilgeous-Alexander is attempting 8.9 free throws per matchup on 89.2% shooting, which is the second-most in his career for both areas, but he’s second to Antetokounmpo in free-throw attempts per game. His career year came in the 2022-23 season when he earned his first all-star appearance.
Gilgeous-Alexander averages 8 makes from the charity stripe per game. Out of his average of 32.4 points per game, that means 24 points are coming organically from field goals. His free-throw shooting helps make him one of the NBA’s best scorers and the potential MVP.
