Thunder GM Presti backs star Gilgeous-Alexander amid foul-drawing criticism

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has publicly backed star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amidst criticism of his foul-drawing style. Presti stated that Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to draw fouls was evident even before the Thunder became a top contender, suggesting that increased attention is a byproduct of the team's current success.

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SGA has been good at drawing fouls since before the Thunder were a championship-contending team.

"SGA has been good at drawing fouls since before the Thunder were a championship-contending team," Presti said, implying that the increased scrutiny is a result of the team's improved performance. He pointed to Gilgeous-Alexander's "old-school mid-range game" as the primary reason for his high free-throw numbers.

Presti highlighted that Gilgeous-Alexander averages 9.0 free-throw attempts per game, making 7.9, which ties him for the league lead with Luka Doncic. This marks the third consecutive season Gilgeous-Alexander has led the league in made free throws per game. Presti also presented data showing Gilgeous-Alexander drew 415 fouls this season, with only 11 being successfully challenged, indicating that approximately 2.5% were incorrect calls.

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He has to face six people, five defenders, and the sixth defender is social media.

"He has to face six people, five defenders, and the sixth defender is social media," Presti commented, defending his player against what he perceives as excessive public criticism. He acknowledged that Gilgeous-Alexander is not the first player to face such intense scrutiny, stating, "The reality is that's how it is."

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The reality is that's how it is.