Tyrese Haliburton spoke about how players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander make life difficult for defenders.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a player who earns quite a negative reputation among NBA fans. While Gilgeous-Alexander is a very talented player, fans don’t love his style of play.
Many fans have claimed the OKC Thunder MVP is a ‘free-throw merchant’, referencing his frequent trips to the charity stripe. Doris Burke even mentioned Shai’s title during a game.
But it’s hard to argue that his style of play isn’t effective. Shai himself pays no mind to the ‘merchant’ comments, claiming that he knows there is more to his game.
While coaches like Michael Malone have praised Shai for drawing fouls, how do NBA players feel about him? Well, Tyrese Haliburton explained how annoying it is to play against Shai, but not in a negative way.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesShai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo most annoying stars to play against
Tyrese Haliburton made an appearance on the Self-Made Sessions recently. When a fan asked him to name some of the most annoying players to play against, Haliburton gave some great insight.
The All-Star named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But what makes them annoying is their offensive brilliance and how they’re able to get to the free-throw line with ease.
“There’s a lot, bro. All the best players that get to the free-throw line consistently. When you play against Giannis or Shai, those guys are so good.
“They have perfected getting to the free-throw line and scoring. They’re elite, top-tier. You never like to play against those guys.
“The super handsy defenders, physical defenders of the world, that can get annoying as well. There’s a ton of guys. We could probably say the best scorers are the most annoying. Why are you so gifted?”
While Haliburton believes Shai and Giannis are immensely talented, they aren’t quite as dangerous as another star he mentioned.
Stephen Curry is dangerous even on an off night
When a panel member asked Tyrese Haliburton if Stephen Curry was similar to Shai and Giannis that way, the superstar explained what makes Curry more dangerous.
“The thing about Steph [Curry]… Steph can shoot poor, but your attention is always on him. You know if he hits one, it’s gonna be an avalanche. It’s never gonna stop.
“I don’t guard Steph, so I can’t say him. But I know Andrew Nembhard would probably say Steph is up there because he’s gotta chase him up there. Steph is one of one.”
Stephen Curry is perhaps the most lethal offensive player in the NBA today. And while Shai and Steph’s careers have a lot of parallels, the Canadian guard isn’t quite at his level yet.
Perhaps in the years to come, Shai can become as dangerous the same way Curry is. Maybe not as a shooter, but as an offensive weapon for his team.