"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’s impressive haul of awards continued on Wednesday at the ESPYs. The OKC Thunder superstar, fresh off a championship, won the best NBA player award in 2025. SGA sat inside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with some of his Thunder teammates.

ESPYs host Shane Gillis could not resist making a joke when he acknowledged the basketball superstar’s presence. The comedian had this to say when the spotlight shone on SGA:

“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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Some of Shae Gilgeous-Alexander’s critics often mention his foul-baiting tactics as a key reason for his success. Many of them call him a "free-throw merchant." 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.

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 only looks for fouls. The coach thought SGA deserved the MVP award, a recognition he won over three-time winner Nikola Jokic.

The ESPYs, was the latest collection to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's trophy cabinet. This season, he earned the NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP and topped the league in scoring. He became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to win all three awards.

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. Fans promptly reacted to the comedian's comments about the NBA's best player in 2025:

One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan commented:

Most fans thought Shane Gillis' joke was right on the money. A few coaches in the NBA also expressed their frustrations with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-baiting tactics. Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch complained about the issue last season.

SGA took Gillis' joke in stride. Like the way the point guard shrugged off criticism, he hardly reacted to the comment to bring home another award.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero