Naturally, players continue to find more creative ways to score as the game progresses. The euro-step, step-back jumper, and 360 layup are some modern examples of legitimate moves that have been adopted by players around the league.
Less legitimately, a trend of offensive players attempting to draw a foul on the defensive player, or foul baiting, has become a common practice. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout season, he has been accused of becoming a “free throw merchant” by fans and the media alike.
This term covers anything from players pump-faking and then jumping into the defender, to players flopping their arms and throwing their heads back. The motivation for this is understandable as the player is usually rewarded with free throws that are knocked down at a rate higher than 80%.
Foul-baiting has become an art of its own, as players need to tiptoe the line between excessive and understated. As frustrating as it is to play against and watch, a handful of players have come to master this art. James Harden, Joel Embiid, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young are prime examples.
This has encouraged the rest of the league to adopt this foul-seeking mentality when it comes to scoring, and SGA is not excluded. Is Gilgeous-Alexander guilty of excessive foul-baiting, or is he just catching heat because he is in the spotlight?
When strictly looking at free throw attempts per game, it may seem that SGA is flopping his way to the line. The OKC guard averages 8.9 free throw attempts per game, only surpassed by Giannis Antetokounmpo with 10.5. A little digging into some advanced stats offers clarity into SGA’s high FTA.
This season, #2 has led the league in drives per game at 20.3. Interestingly, SGA is only fouled on about nine percent of those drives. This ranks him eighth in free throws per drive attempt. It seems that most of SGA’s free throws are mainly a result of the sheer volume at which he drives to the bucket.
Whether SGA is driving to the bucket, or letting it fly from beyond the arc, it is clear he is focused on winning. This season, he is the scoring leader and an integral part to OKC boasting the league’s best record. Foul-baiting is not what got him there.
SGA does not deny that looking for fouls is part of his game, but it is not his focus. When asked about being called a “free throw merchant” he had this to say:
“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.”
It is clear that SGA is not solely reliant on fouls to fuel his offense; rather, it is another tool in his arsenal.
Yes, it is annoying when players intentionally try to draw fouls, and it can get out of hand. Fans will continue to be upset over foul-baiting, but it is a part of todays game. In SGA’s case, he may flail or jump into the defense, but nothing points to him being excessive.
The refs have been getting stricter on offensive players and calling them out for flopping or holding defenders. As the game continues to progress, I think we will see a more balanced game being officiated. In the end, the guard from OKC is an elite player who utilizes all the tools available to him. People who cry “free throw merchant” are just looking for an excuse to criticize.
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