Reggie Miller Defends Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Against Foulbaiting Criticism

Hall of Famer compares Gilgeous-Alexander's free throw drawing to Michael Jordan and James Harden

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Basketball Hall of Famer Reggie Miller has come to the defense of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has faced criticism from some NBA observers over his tactics for drawing fouls. Miller argued that Gilgeous-Alexander is simply taking advantage of the rules, just as past stars like Michael Jordan and James Harden did, and said he doesn't understand the concept of "foulbaiting" that has been used to describe the Thunder player's approach.

Why it matters

The debate over Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-drawing tactics highlights ongoing discussions in the NBA about the balance between offensive and defensive play, as well as the role of officials in determining how the game is called. Miller's defense of the Thunder star also touches on broader questions of fairness and consistency in how the league evaluates and responds to different players' styles of play.

The details

In an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show", Miller pushed back on the criticism of Gilgeous-Alexander, noting that past stars like Michael Jordan and James Harden also frequently went to the free throw line. Miller argued that players should take advantage of the rules as they are officiated, and pointed out that Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, who has been critical of "foulbaiting", recently attempted 21 free throws in a game. Miller said Gilgeous-Alexander is "not, what did you call it, ragebating" and that players should "learn and adapt" to how the game is being called.

  • Reggie Miller's comments came on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has been criticized for his tactics in drawing fouls, but is averaging 31.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game this season.

Reggie Miller

A Basketball Hall of Famer who is now an NBA analyst for Amazon Prime and defended Gilgeous-Alexander against the "foulbaiting" criticism.

Michael Jordan

The legendary Chicago Bulls player, who Miller noted also frequently went to the free throw line during his career.

James Harden

An NBA player who, like Jordan, has been known for his ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line.

Jaylen Brown

A Boston Celtics guard who has been critical of "foulbaiting" tactics, but recently attempted 21 free throws in a game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't get it; I don't understand what foulbating is. We didn't say this about MJ (Michael Jordan), and MJ went to the line 10-plus times. James Harden was in that same category, went to the line 10-plus times. Giannis (Antetokoumpo)... I don't understand this.”

— Reggie Miller, Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA Analyst (The Dan Patrick Show)

“OK, then, thank you, learn and adapt. Learn and adapt.”

— Reggie Miller, Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA Analyst (The Dan Patrick Show)

The takeaway

This debate over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-drawing tactics highlights the ongoing tensions in the NBA around how the game should be officiated and what constitutes fair play. Reggie Miller's defense of the Thunder star, by comparing him to past greats like Michael Jordan, suggests the league may need to re-evaluate how it approaches these issues in a more consistent and balanced way.