"Everybody sitting around him is in foul trouble": Shane Gillis doesn't hesitate to shoot an FT joke on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at ESPYs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was present with some of his OKC Thunder teammates inside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the ESPYs on Wednesday. The Thunder superstar, fresh off a championship, won the best NBA player award.

ESPYs host Shane Gillis could not resist making a joke while acknowledging Gilgeous-Alexander’s presence.

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

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Gillis' joke was a reference to Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw numbers. The point guard has led the NBA in made free throws over the past three seasons. In the 2025 playoffs, he attempted 391 freebies and made 201, both league-best numbers.

However, a section of fans have called him a "free-throw merchant" and accused him of foul-baiting. A few coaches in the NBA also expressed their frustration with Gilgeous-Alexander's tactics. Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch complained about the issue last season.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle planned against SGA in the 2025 NBA Finals. The coach recognized the point guard's ability to get to the free-throw line as a crucial ingredient to the OKC Thunder's offense. Still, Carlisle refused to label him as a superstar who looks for fouls. The coach said SGA deserved the MVP award, which he won over three-time winner Nikola Jokic.

Gilgeous-Alexander also earned the NBA Finals MVP award and topped the league in scoring. He became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to win all three awards.

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Fans react to Shane Gillis' joke about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

With thousands watching the ESPYs, Shane Gillis' joke about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander quickly went viral.

Most fans thought Shane Gillis' joke was right on the money. To the point guard's credit, he took Gillis' joke in stride and barely reacted.

Edited by Michael Macasero