In the 2024-25 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) claimed the MVP award, beating out Nikola Jokic. Despite criticism branding him as a 'foul merchant' for his high number of free-throw attempts, some analysts, like former NBA player Brendan Haywood, defend SGA, asserting that the narrative is exaggerated. During Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, SGA scored 31 points amidst heavy free-throw calls, raising further discussion regarding the fairness of the officiating he receives. Critics argue he benefits from an unfair whistle, but statistics suggest his free-throw attempts are justified given his playing style.
Brendan Haywood argued that the foul merchant narrative against SGA is overblown, highlighting that he ranks 23rd in free throw attempts among players who averaged 30+ PPG since 2005.
Doris Burke described SGA as a free-throw merchant after he scored 31 points and went to the line 14 times in Game 1 against the Timberwolves.
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