Sam Presti used his end-of-season media availability to push back hard on the criticism around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder general manager defended Oklahoma City’s franchise star after another season in which Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul drawing became a major talking point.
Presti’s message was not complicated. He believes the conversation around SGA has been shaped too much by coaches, postgame narratives and online reaction.
Sam Presti Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defense targets social media criticism
Bleacher Report shared Presti’s bluntest line as he described what Gilgeous-Alexander deals with every night.
“He’s playing against 6 people. He’s got 5 defenders and the 6th defender is social media.”
That quote made headlines, but Presti went further. He suggested postgame press conferences are often used by coaches to influence officiating and shift narratives.
He also noted that Gilgeous-Alexander is not the first player to be caught in this cycle, and will not be the last.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander foul drawing debate drove Thunder response
The main criticism around Gilgeous-Alexander has centered on his ability to get to the free-throw line.
Presti responded with numbers. He pointed to 415 fouls drawn during the season, with only 11 challenged and four overturned.
His argument was that the narrative makes it seem like Gilgeous-Alexander is alone at the top of the league in foul drawing, when he believes SGA is being judged more harshly than other elite players who use contact as part of their game.
Thunder GM points to Shai’s complete NBA profile
Presti also pushed back against broader criticisms often aimed at modern NBA stars, arguing that many do not apply to Gilgeous-Alexander.
He praised SGA’s defense, durability and willingness to engage with fans, and credited him with helping to revive the midrange game.
Oklahoma City’s season may have ended in disappointment, but Presti made it clear the organization sees Gilgeous-Alexander as far more than a foul-drawing headline, and it is not letting social media shape that view.
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