In any sport, the superstars often receive specific criticism. It is not uncommon to hear critics call OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a "free-throw merchant."
There is an argument to be made that the backlash SGA receives for his consistent trips to the free-throw line actually strengthens his argument for being a true NBA superstar.
Gilgeous-Alexander doesn't rely on the three-point shot as many other players do in the modern NBA. Rather, he often finds success from the mid-range or by attacking the basket and drawing free throws.
It's a strategy that works, but often leads to frustration from fans, analysts, and even opposing players/coaches.
Last season, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said, "You can't really touch Shai" without the fear of sending the Thunder guard to the free-throw line. While Finch's comment received some backlash, there are many around the NBA world who would agree with the coach.
Gilgeous-Alexander isn't bothered by the push-back on his style of play. He's going to continue implementing strategies that have made him an unstoppable force on the floor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now in LeBron James, Stephen Curry territory
For SGA, the "free throw merchant" angle is what he often hears from his critics. The Thunder All-Star certainly isn't the first superstar to receive specific criticism.
LeBron James has been accused of flopping throughout his career. Yet, James is arguably the greatest player of all time.
Stephen Curry, meanwhile, is the best three-point shooter of all time, but critics have even found a way to throw shade at his greatness. The negative narrative around Curry is that he changed the game for the worse, leading to many hoopers taking head-scratching shots from well beyond the arc.
In professional sports -- and especially in the modern social media world -- there are always going to be haters. It doesn't matter how great a player is. With the best of the best, though, fans often find one or two specific elements of their game to criticize and stick with it, regardless of whether or not the opinions are fair.
The only facet of Shai's game that consistently receives backlash is his constant free-throw attempts. His supporters would argue that it's a tremendous strength, however.
After all, if getting to the free throw line was a simple task, why wouldn't everyone do it all the time?
Gilgeous-Alexander has mastered the craft of drawing fouls, and it helped the Thunder win the NBA Finals last year. The guard's style of play may help his team achieve a similar feat this season.