At the 2025 ESPYs held on Wednesday in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the OKC Thunder sensation, added another prestigious award to his collection by winning the Best NBA Player accolade. Known for his skill and ability to draw fouls, SGA’s presence at the event did not go unnoticed by host Shane Gillis, who cracked a joke highlighting a well-known aspect of Gilgeous-Alexander’s playing style.

Shane Gillis Highlights SGA’s Foul Trouble Reputation with a Quick Quip

Shane Gillis capitalized on the moment when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appeared on stage, delivering a line that instantly struck a chord with the audience:

“SGA is here. Give it up for SGA. How are you, bro? And now, everybody sitting around him is in foul trouble.”

This humorous nod referred to Gilgeous-Alexander’s reputation for drawing fouls, a tactic that has contributed significantly to his success on the court. Critics often label him a “free-throw merchant” due to his league-leading number of free throws made over the last three seasons. Notably, in the 2025 playoffs alone, Gilgeous-Alexander attempted 391 free throws and converted 201, topping the league in both attempts and makes.

Critics and Coaches Weigh in on SGA’s Playing Style

While some detractors focus on Gilgeous-Alexander’s tendency to draw fouls as a strategic advantage, many recognize his overall talent and impact. Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who faced off against the Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, acknowledged the point guard’s skill set but declined to reduce his status to just a player who seeks fouls.

Carlisle emphasized the importance of SGA’s ability to get to the line as a vital element of OKC’s offensive strategy, also noting that Gilgeous-Alexander fully earned the MVP title he secured, surpassing a three-time winner in Nikola Jokic. This trio of awards—the NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and scoring leader—made Gilgeous-Alexander the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to sweep all three honors in a single season.

Reaction to Shane Gillis’ Joke from Fans and the NBA Community

The comedian’s joke about SGA quickly gained traction among viewers at the ESPYs and fans on social media, with many sharing their amusement and agreement. NBA coaches, including Minnesota Timberwolves’ Chris Finch, have publicly voiced frustration about Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-drawing tactics during games, reflecting a wider sentiment in the league.

Despite the criticism and the joke’s sharp edge, Gilgeous-Alexander appeared unfazed. He maintained his usual calm demeanor and continued to focus on celebrating his achievements without reacting visibly to the comments aimed at his playing style.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Continued Rise and What It Means for the NBA

With his impressive string of accolades culminating at the ESPYs, SGA has cemented his status as one of the game’s elite players. His ability to combine scoring, drawing fouls, and leadership has not only driven the Thunder’s success but also reshaped expectations for point guards in the NBA. As he moves forward, Gilgeous-Alexander is likely to remain a central figure in the league’s storylines, while debates over his playing tactics will continue to fuel conversations among fans, coaches, and commentators alike.