Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has received much scrutiny the past few years regarding his playing style. While many dislike his contact-driven approach, it has resulted in wins, as he helped the Oklahoma City Thunder win a championship in 2025.
SGA's father Vaughn Alexander has recently addressed his son's fan-given title as the "free throw merchant".
"I don't believe in shooting 50 3s a game," Vaughn expressed when asked about the discourse on social media. "I know the game has gotten to that point, scoring is up, yeah probably, but it's the way you do it. Doing it the hard way works the same way. You go into the lane, bam, and-one, hit your free throw. I think that's a beautiful part of the game. It's the hard way."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken control of the NBA
Over the last two seasons, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has gone from an MVP candidate to the defining player of the NBA's new generation despite fans' critique of him on social media.
In 2024–25, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard led the league with 32.7 points per game, won his first MVP award, and guided his team to the NBA championship. He completed the historic campaign by earning Finals MVP after averaging 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds against the Indiana Pacers.
Gilgeous-Alexander maintained that level last season, posting 31.1 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting a career-best 55.3% from the field. He also claimed a second consecutive MVP award and was named the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year.
Two MVPs, a championship, a Finals MVP, and a scoring title in just two years have placed Gilgeous-Alexander among basketball's biggest stars. Oklahoma City once acquired him as a promising young guard. He has since become the centerpiece of the NBA.