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.<h3>🔥 In this episode:</h3><ul><li>How the Thunder’s 23–1 start (at time of recording) stacks up historically</li><li>Why the 2025 MVP race is basically Shai vs Nikola Jokic (with Cade Cunningham lurking)</li><li>The truth about SGA’s free throws:</li><li>How often he really gets to the line vs Harden, Embiid, Barkley, Dantley, KD & others</li><li>Why drawing fouls is a skill, not a scam</li><li>How playoff whistles prove who’s legit and who’s gaming weak officiating</li><li>Why blaming SGA for free throws is really about league rules, Adam Silver & the officiating mandate, not Shai</li><li>A reality check on Steph Curry’s scoring titles with minimal free throws</li><li>The real context behind the Jordan vs LeBron GOAT debate:</li><li>MJ’s 10 scoring titles & free-throw numbers</li><li>Why there was zero debate about the best player in the league during Jordan’s prime</li><li>How LeBron’s era was full of real competition for “best in the league”</li><li>What makes SGA the ideal modern franchise cornerstone: skill, temperament, leadership, and how he treats officials</li></ul>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 follow01:20 – Setting the table: Why OKC’s 23–1 start matters03:00 – SGA vs. Jokic: The MVP race nobody is talking about enough05:00 – Why “free-throw merchant” criticisms of SGA miss the point07:00 – Historical context: Harden, Embiid, KD, Barkley, Dantley, MJ09:30 – MJ vs. LeBron discussion: What “best player alive” really looked like12:00 – The art of drawing fouls: Why it *is* a superstar skill14:00 – How SGA earns calls vs. Luka’s style and reaction to refs16:00 – Why OKC’s organization + SGA’s leadership make him special18:00 – Playoff proof: SGA’s FT attempts *increasing* under postseason physicality20:00 – The real reason for the SGA hate: jealousy & fan-base resentment22:00 – Bottom line: SGA as the league’s most complete two-way guard23:30 – Closing thoughts + upcoming Finding The Seams & Fullcourt Passport<h3></h3>Follow Ric everywhere: @RicBucher on X, Instagram, Threads & Bluesky.<h3>📌 </h3>#OnTheBall #RicBucher #ShaiGilgeousAlexander #SGA #OKCThunder #OklahomaCityThunder #NikolaJokic #CadeCunningham #NBA #NBAMVP #JordanVsLeBron #FreeThrowMerchant #NBAHistory #NBAPodcast #BasketballAnalysis #AdamSilver #NBARefsSupport this show <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends">http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends</a>.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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

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