The disdain for OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been increasing exponentially. Though the two-time MVP in many ways plays a respectful brand of basketball, the NBA world seems intent on making him out to be a villain.
As notorious as SGA's reputation has become, however, his antics are tame compared to those of Spurs star, Victor Wembanyama.
Throughout the postseason, the big man has appeared desperate to snatch the crown of villainy from Gilgeous-Alexander.
Wemby has done everything in his power to cause controversy. He's elbowed numerous people in the head, pulled hair, shoved opponents to the ground, and skipped out on mandatory media sessions.
Even in the Spurs' catastrophic loss on Wednesday night, he got called for his third flagrant point of the playoffs when he elbowed Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns in the chin in the third quarter.
One more flagrant call would lead to a suspension for the Frenchman.
Not only does Wembanyama seem to be yearning for the "villain" title, but he seems proud to have inserted himself into the conversation.
After Game 3, in which he was seen shoving Jalen Brunson to the ground and laughing about it, he was asked whether he was "New York's newest villain." He smiled smugly and responded, "I guess," with a chuckle.
Wemby and SGA couldn't operate in more different headspace
While Wemby yearns for the negative attention, Shai seems perfectly content to let him have it.
As outlined in general manager Sam Presti's end-of-year press conference, the point guard actually goes about his business in a mature, professional manner. He spends countless hours signing autographs before games, he gives thoughtful and respectful answers at the podium, and he always credits his teammates and prioritizes winning over personal accolades.
He even called his second MVP campaign a failure after falling short of the NBA Finals.
The humility it takes to put your team before personal success is not possessed by everyone. Especially when personal success looks like two MVPs, a Finals MVP, and numerous All-NBA honors, it takes a high moral character to set oneself aside for the betterment of others.
It's clear that it's taken just one postseason run for Wembanyama to let success get to his head. He appears to be trying too hard to be the bad guy, which is a complete 180-degree pivot from someone who was voted the "most media-friendly" player this year.
Whether he snatches the title away from SGA remains to be seen, but it's clear, between the two of them, who welcomes the hate and who couldn't care less.
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