The Oklahoma City Thunder are capturing the attention of basketball fans during the 2024-25 NBA season. They are currently holding a strong lead in the competitive Western Conference. At the centre of this success is their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose exceptional skills and remarkable consistency on the court have earned him widespread acclaim. However, with increasing fame often comes criticism.
Some fans and commentators have started to label Gilgeous-Alexander as a “free-throw merchant,” a term used for players who excel at capitalizing on free-throw opportunities. Despite these claims, Clemente Almanza of the OKC Thunder Wire recently reported that Gilgeous-Alexander remains unfazed by the criticism.
“In the past couple of years, I led the NBA in drives. So I think naturally, I’m going to get fouled on drives. Usually, you get fouled on drives more than jump shots. I think that’s just a natural part of the game. And then I learned a few tricks through the trade along my way. I’ve turned it into a skill a little bit. As far as what people say, I don’t really care. As long as it’s efficient offense and my team wins, I’ll get it done.” Gilgeous-Alexander said (Via Clemente Almanza of the OKC Thunder).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn't care if he gets called a ‘free-throw merchant’
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2025
“In the past couple of years, I led the NBA in drives. So I think naturally, I'm going to get fouled on drives. Usually, you get fouled on drives more than jump shots. I think that's just a natural… pic.twitter.com/cVBae63kub
In the current season, Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated his game, averaging 31.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 509 assists per game.
Fans Weigh In After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Remarks
Gilgeous-Alexander’s statement created a stir in the NBA community. Several fans began expressing their thoughts in the comment section of NBA Central’s posts on X (formerly Twitter). One fan commented, “Totally different whistle in the playoffs. Those driving lanes and fouls won’t be as easy to come by. He’s good enough to adapt but it’s not the same game.”
Totally different whistle in the playoffs. Those driving lanes and fouls won't be as easy to come by. He's good enough to adapt but it's not the same game.
— Smart Masshole (@SmartMasshole) January 13, 2025
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Meanwhile, another fan mentioned, “Ain’t gonna get those free throws in the playoffs.”
Ain’t gonna get those free throws in the playoffs
— Sycamore’s Source (@sycamoressource) January 13, 2025
Another fan commented, “But when Giannis gets fouled by driving 95% of the time, he gets called a ft merchant.”
But when Giannis gets fouled by driving 95% of the time, he gets called a ft merchant
— Tyler Swish (@MalikThr33sly) January 13, 2025
A sports enthusiast remarked, “He’s admitting to being a free throw merchant without shame lmao The game of basketball died today.”
He’s admitting to being a free throw merchant without shame lmao
— FanAlert (@FanAlert0) January 13, 2025
The game of basketball died today.
Another fan mentioned, “He stays foul baiting.”
He stays foul baiting
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) January 13, 2025
Another fan commented, “That’s what they do to the best MVPs like Embiid. Rise above it SGA.”
That’s what they do to the best MVPs like Embiid. Rise above it SGA
— 💬 (@BDR1ZZZYYY) January 13, 2025
After their recent 95-136 victory over the Washington Wizards, the OKC Thunder now holds an impressive record of 32-6. Additionally, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performances have secured him the top spot on the KIA NBA MVP Ladder. The Thunder’s next game will be against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Drops Confident Take On Where He Thinks He Currently Stands In The NBA
