Once a hidden gem, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now a crown jewel, taking the NBA by storm. The Canadian sensation has gone from rising star to MVP frontrunner in just three seasons. His stats? A masterclass. Three straight seasons averaging 30+ points with jaw-dropping efficiency. His team? The Oklahoma City Thunder, dominating the league with a stunning 32-6 record as the top seed in the West. But with fame comes fire. Critics are loud, and one question lingers—has SGA earned his throne, or is he just the league’s ultimate “free-throw merchant”?

The 6-foot-6 point guard’s dominance on the court is a topic for envy. And envy in return is the ally of all complaints. A relentless driver, a magnet for contact—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has earned himself a label: the dreaded “free-throw merchant.” Critics claim his scoring magic fades without whistles. But does leading the league in drives dull his brilliance? Or is it just another desperate jab at greatness?

You could argue it’s a flawed narrative pushed by the opposing fanbase, especially considering SGA’s free-throw attempts have dropped from 10.8 to 7.8 in just three seasons. Meanwhile, what’s interesting here is how the point guard views such thoughts. After pinning down (quite literally) the Washington Wizards 136-95 on Sunday, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and his teammate Jalen Williams appeared in the post-game presser. The OKC superstar doesn’t mind this nickname, instead saying: “None at all.”

“In the past couple of years, I led the NBA in drives,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “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.”

Well, SGA should take more FTs. His numbers are saying it all: the free-throw rate is at a significantly low 36.9%. In the last two seasons, that number was at 48.4%. So, maybe the critics are unfairly using the “free-throw merchant” tag for the 26-year-old. It might be a bit too harsh for someone whose stats show a significant drop in the one-pointers.

Meanwhile, Shai has become the personification of “Unbothered. Moisturized. In my lane”. His charisma and blunt answers never fail to surprise. Shai doesn’t flinch at the noise. Hitting 10K career points, the MVP frontrunner shrugged off chatter about his 16-of-17 free-throw clinic against the foul-happy Wizards. Critics talk; SGA just scores. Besides, he could hit the jackpot with a massive fortune coming his way.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could become the first-ever NBA player with a $300M super deal

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is rewriting the NBA’s playbook—this time with his paycheck. Per NBA insider Marc Stein, SGA is eyeing a four-year supermax extension worth nearly $300 million. By 2030-31, he could shatter records, becoming the first player to rake in $80 million in a single season. History, meet Shai. Given his remarkable records this season, it’s no surprise that the Oklahoma City Thunder are eager to keep him for the long haul.

He is carving his name among the NBA’s elite, delivering another MVP-level season. With a career-high 31.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game on an impressive 52.7% shooting, he’s turned the Thunder into legitimate championship contenders. Sure, his three-point percentage sits at just 3.8%, but who needs threes when you’re a mid-range maestro and virtually unstoppable at the rim?

Free-throw merchant or not, Shai is a force to be reckoned with. He’s not slowing down this season, with major titles like MVP and a championship within reach. The 26-year-old isn’t about to let go of what’s so close to his grasp. All we can do now is watch the new king of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action.