Paul George is the reason the OKC Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander today. The reigning MVP was a part of the trade that sent George to the Clippers in return for two players (Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari), four unconditional first-round picks (2021 Miami, 2022 own, 2024 own, and 2026 own), one lottery-protected pick (2023 Miami), and two pick swaps (own 2023 and 2025).
Following the Thunder’s Game 5 win over the Timberwolves (111-94), Paul George went on his podcast to address his opinion of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He claimed there’s more to Gilgeous-Alexander’s game than what meets the public eye. He also compared Jalen Brunson and Gilgeous-Alexander to asses their fouldrawing abilities.
“ You got to master it right? I think it’s part of the reason the Knicks are in trouble, and I think it’s part of the reason why the Thunder are in the driver’s seat of their series, right? I think for Jalen, they aren’t calling it as much, right? And so it’s becoming tough, he’s got Nesmith on him nonstop, he’s got Nembhard on him nonstop. And they’re not giving him as many of those calls as he was getting. Whereas Shai, I think he does a great job of putting pressure on the officials by playing physical, where it puts the defender in a position to… the amount of separation that Shay creates makes guys swipe for the ball or guys lunge out to block a shot or it puts guys in a position where they’re out of control because of the physicality Shai plays with.”
“Shai’s super strong. He’s a lot like me, he plays with his shoulders, he bumps, he gets you off balance with his shoulders, he puts his weight on you and then can stop on a dime. And he’s really good at like “All right if you put your arms out there I’m going to shoot through it, I’mma swing through it.” Um, so I think there’s more to it with Shai than him foul-baiting. I think he just understands how to play physical and get guys out of position to draw fouls.”
“Shai doesn’t need to jump out the gym. He doesn’t use athleticism to you know attack the basket. He’s crafty, he’s skilled, he’s pivot, he’s footwork. He’s mid-range, he’s got the mid post, he’s got the isolation. Now he’s unlocked shooting more threes so you have to guard him further out. I just think all of that in collection it makes him that much better as a weapon. That’s why he’s so deadly because he’s a three-level scorer.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Addresses “Foul Merchant” Allegations
Gilgeous-Alexander came under public criticism for drawing fouls increasingly as the Thunder progressed in the Playoffs. From opposing coaches calling out officials to openly calling him a “foul artist”, teams have become more aware of his foul-drawing tactics.
In response to the criticism he faced for drawing fouls and being called a “free throw merchant”, Gilgeous-Alexander pointed out that teams only care now because the Thunder are winning and he’s happy to be living rent-free in fans’ heads.
“In terms of the label, I don’t care,” he said. “I never cared … I’ve shot more free throws in a season than I did this season. I think because we’re on top of everybody’s radar, it’s a little more noticeable, and now people care about it.”
“I kind of see it as a compliment,” he further added.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 8.8 attempts per game from the free-throw line in the regular season. This has gone up to 9.2 attempts per game in the Playoffs. In comparison, two seasons ago, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.9 attempts per game, but no one really cared because the Thunder were not title contenders. Now that they are, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ways are coming into scrutiny.
