From 2024-25, the league had two MVP-worthy candidates. Shy Gilgaus Alexander and Nikola Zhokic were undoubtedly in the top two. However, the SGA won the award on Wednesday afternoon.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s biggest knock is that fans and media members call him a “foul merchant.” The SGA has been heavily criticized for its ability to reach the free throw line. Playoff Central was a show on NBA TV, with one of the crew taking the opposite take in SGA conversations. Former NBA player Brendan Haywood argued that the “foul merchant” story against the SGA is exaggerated.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the latest superstar to be criticised for foul bait
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks 23rd in free throw attempts among players who have averaged over 30 PPGs since 2005.
Perhaps the story of “foul merchant” is exaggerated
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 22, 2025
On Tuesday night, the Thunder were home to face the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. In a 114-88 victory, Oklahoma City’s Shy Gilgauss Alexander scored a game-high 31 points. SGA went to the free throw line 14 times in Game 1. Seven of these 14 attempts came in the first quarter. This led to ESPN gaming analyst Doris Burke calling the 2024-25 MVP a “free throw merchant” in Game 1.
The case with SGA was not over. Ringer’s respected media member Bill Simmons said Gilgauss Alexander “gets this mouth s that no one else has got in the playoffs.” Some people call SGA “foul merchants,” but Brendan Haywood doesn’t see it that way. Instead, he praises the 26-year-old for attacking midrange and for not being able to settle for the three-pointer. Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA by trying 21.8 field goals per game from 2024-25.
His 8.8 free throws attempted game-by-game, were second in the NBA in this past season. SGA has been ranked 23rd in free throw attempts from players who averaged 30 or more points per game since 2005. Additionally, he is 10th in the league’s final 20 MVP in a free throw attempt. Of course, are there any Shay Gill Alexander Foul Bait? But he’s far from the only player who does it. All criticism goes to SGA due to his team’s success and his winning MVP. Media members need to stop the exaggerated narrative that SGA is a “foul merchant.”