Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is NOT a “Free-Throw Merchant” | Thunder 23–1 Start, MVP Race & Why the Jordan vs LeBron Debate is Broken

Welcome back to On The Ball with Ric Bucher on the United Wecast Network.

In this episode, Ric dives deep into why calling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a “free-throw merchant” is one of the dumbest narratives in the league right now — and how it’s overshadowing a potentially historic season from both SGA and the 23–1 Oklahoma City Thunder.

🔥 In this episode:

• How the Thunder’s 23–1 start (at time of recording) stacks up historically
• Why the 2025 MVP race is basically Shai vs Nikola Jokic (with Cade Cunningham lurking)
• The truth about SGA’s free throws:
• How often he really gets to the line vs Harden, Embiid, Barkley, Dantley, KD & others
• Why drawing fouls is a skill, not a scam
• How playoff whistles prove who’s legit and who’s gaming weak officiating
• Why blaming SGA for free throws is really about league rules, Adam Silver & the officiating mandate, not Shai
• A reality check on Steph Curry’s scoring titles with minimal free throws
• The real context behind the Jordan vs LeBron GOAT debate:
• MJ’s 10 scoring titles & free-throw numbers
• Why there was zero debate about the best player in the league during Jordan’s prime
• How LeBron’s era was full of real competition for “best in the league”
• What makes SGA the ideal modern franchise cornerstone: skill, temperament, leadership, and how he treats officials

Ric also touches on his upcoming third book, “The Value of Being Coachable: The Secret to How Legendary Performers Reach Their Highest Potential So That You Can Reach Yours”, coming in May.

00:30 – Ric’s intro: FS1, radio, new book, where to follow

01:20 – Setting the table: Why OKC’s 23–1 start matters

03:00 – SGA vs. Jokic: The MVP race nobody is talking about enough

05:00 – Why “free-throw merchant” criticisms of SGA miss the point

07:00 – Historical context: Harden, Embiid, KD, Barkley, Dantley, MJ

09:30 – MJ vs. LeBron discussion: What “best player alive” really looked like

12:00 – The art of drawing fouls: Why it *is* a superstar skill

14:00 – How SGA earns calls vs. Luka’s style and reaction to refs

16:00 – Why OKC’s organization + SGA’s leadership make him special

18:00 – Playoff proof: SGA’s FT attempts *increasing* under postseason physicality

20:00 – The real reason for the SGA hate: jealousy & fan-base resentment

22:00 – Bottom line: SGA as the league’s most complete two-way guard

23:30 – Closing thoughts + upcoming Finding The Seams & Fullcourt Passport

Follow Ric everywhere: @RicBucher on X, Instagram, Threads & Bluesky.

📌

#OnTheBall #RicBucher #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #SGA #OKCThunder #OklahomaCityThunder #NikolaJokic #CadeCunningham #NBA #NBAMVP #JordanVsLeBron #FreeThrowMerchant #NBAHistory #NBAPodcast #BasketballAnalysis #AdamSilver #NBARefs

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