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Michael Wilbon raises concern over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s influence on young fans
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- Michael Wilbon raises concern over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s influence on young fans
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be one of the NBA's cleanest success stories. He is a back-to-back MVP and one of the league's most skilful scorers.
He finished second in regular-season scoring behind Luka Doncic while leading Oklahoma City deep into another playoff run. Yet the debate around his style has not disappeared.
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Many fans believe Gilgeous-Alexander relies too heavily on drawing fouls and selling contact. Michael Wilbon has now added a sharper layer to that argument.
Michael Wilbon warns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could shape young NBA fans
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Before Oklahoma City's Game 6 against the Spurs, Wilbon suggested on ESPN's Get Up that Gilgeous-Alexander's success could shape how young players learn the sport.
"If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes back-to-back, he's on deck and he enters next season as a two-time champion and two-time MVP, guess what? There will be kids out on the playground learning how to flop," he stated.
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It was a blunt warning because Gilgeous-Alexander's game is built on elite footwork, rhythm and body control, not just foul-hunting.
Still, the timing made the remark stronger. The flopping discussion had already followed the Spurs series, especially around how often he reached the line.
Then Game 6 added another twist. Gilgeous-Alexander shot only three free throws and finished with 15 points as San Antonio forced a decisive Game 7.
That was his lowest scoring game since May 24, 2025, when he scored 14 against Minnesota .
Wilbon's point will divide people, but it shows how even a two-time MVP can become a flashpoint when greatness and gamesmanship appear to overlap.
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