Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Free Throws Increase, Sparks Debate

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's free throw attempts have risen from 4.9 to 5.9 per game in two seasons. This is a significant increase.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is finding himself at the center of discussions regarding NBA officiating and his on-court conduct, with opponents and commentators weighing in on his increased free throw attempts and perceived "villainous" persona.

Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring has climbed significantly over the past two seasons, accompanied by a noticeable rise in his trips to the free-throw line. His average free throw attempts have increased from 4.9 in his initial four seasons to 5.9 per game in his last two, a trend that has not gone unnoticed.

"It's going to happen. If I shoot 20 free throws, I'd be happy." - Austin Reaves, defending Gilgeous-Alexander's situation.

This increase has led to heightened attention from rivals and analysts alike. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker publicly criticized a specific referee after a playoff game, a move few players undertake. Booker received a technical foul during that game for arguing calls. New York Knicks coach Mike Brown also made comments regarding Gilgeous-Alexander's officiating earlier in the season, suggesting that ejections were sometimes influenced by opposing teams.

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Adding another layer to the narrative, Gilgeous-Alexander himself made a pointed remark towards Suns player Dillon Brooks following the Thunder's sweep of Phoenix.

"Everybody wants to be villainous." - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, commenting on Brooks and the broader playoff atmosphere.

This comment came after a hard-fought series, and despite the public jab, Gilgeous-Alexander reportedly expressed mutual respect for Brooks postgame. The series saw Gilgeous-Alexander score 23 points in the deciding Game 4.

Even media personalities are joining the conversation. Skip Bayless, a commentator, touched on claims of a "worst whistle" surrounding LeBron James in relation to the Thunder's performance, suggesting a broader context of physical play during games.

The underlying theme is the increased scrutiny on Gilgeous-Alexander as his profile and the Thunder's success grow. Whether the officiating is perceived as favorable or simply a natural consequence of his aggressive play style remains a point of contention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people talking about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's free throws?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's free throw attempts have gone up in the last two seasons, from about 4.9 to 5.9 per game. This has caused other players and coaches to talk about his playing style and the calls he gets.
Q: What do other players think about Gilgeous-Alexander's free throws?
Some players, like Austin Reaves, defend him, saying it's normal if he shoots many free throws. Others, like Devin Booker, have criticized referees.
Q: Did Gilgeous-Alexander say anything about being seen as a 'villain'?
Yes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander commented that 'Everybody wants to be villainous' after a tough series. He seemed to be talking about the tough playoff atmosphere.
Q: What happens next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder?
As Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder become more successful, he will likely face more attention. Whether the calls he receives are fair or a result of his aggressive play is still being discussed.