Following the flurry of injuries to kick off the 2026-27 campaign, the OKC Thunder have dropped two straight contests, bringing their overall record to 4-2. With Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Williams all out long-term, much of Oklahoma City's fate rests on the shoulders of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Thus far, things haven't gone his way.
SGA is no stranger to playing the role of savior. Having averaged over 30.0 points each of the last four seasons and winning MVP each of the last two, many assumed Shai would take up the mantle yet again early this year. But something hasn't been quite right, and critics surely won't miss the opportunity to point it out.
The All-Star is averaging just 4.7 free throws per game, a harsh contrast to his previous few years. In fact, it's his lowest rate since his rookie year.
Whether it's a direct result of this season's officiating emphasis or a league-wide adjustment to his offensive game is anybody's guess. But those who have been chanting "free-throw merchant" from day one will surely have a field day as long as his metrics remain consistent.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's free-throw slump doing him no favors amid Thunder's roster depletion
Fans watching the last few games might find some of the players in the box score a bit more unrecognizable from years past. It's clear that, even though the Thunder were forced to offload depth this offseason, they are struggling to find enough competent players to fill out the rotation.
Regardless of whether it's fair or not, it will be easy for SGA's critics to point out the fact that his worst statistical season is coinciding with the shallowest roster he's had around him. Fans might come to the conclusion that he is dependent on a star-studded supporting cast to alleviate defensive attention.
While that claim may still need some substantiation, there isn't much to refute. Currently, SGA is on track to have his worst season in six years, and the Thunder are playing with their least talented roster in the same length of time.
Don't put it past the superstar to figure things out and go on a run, as this is hardly his first slow start. In OKC's championship season, SGA had just two 30-point performances in his first 10 games.
Regardless, his free-throw rates are a bit alarming. Like it or not, getting to the stripe is an integral part of his game. 4.7 attempts simply aren't going to cut it, and adjustments will surely need to be made over the coming weeks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google