Mike Greenberg Questions How SGA's Play Style Will Impact His NBA Legacy

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best basketball players in the world, winning back-to-back NBA MVP trophies.

SGA’s talent and production are undeniable, but there are some who question the way in which he gets his elite results. There’s a strong narrative surrounding the All-Star point guard, suggesting that he relies heavily on flopping and foul-baiting in order to supplement his scoring from the free-throw line.

During Thursday morning’s episode of “Get Up” on ESPN, Mike Greenberg suggested that Gilgeous-Alexander’s NBA legacy could take a hit due to his style of play.

"Sometimes watching him play is agonizing. It is not fun,” Greenberg said. “There’s a reason why this team has become such a polarizing group.”

Greenberg understands why Oklahoma City Thunder fans love Gilgeous-Alexander, but went on to explain why outside onlookers don’t feel the same way.

“You have to understand that for the rest of us, watching this style of play is not like watching Steph [Curry], it's not like watching Michael Jordan. It's just not. We're watching to be entertained,” he continued.

More Basketball: Commissioner Adam Silver Teases Huge NBA Officiating Change

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are one win away from the NBA Finals after Tuesday night’s Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs, taking a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals. SGA finished that game with 32 points and nine assists, shooting 16/17 from the free-throw line.

More Basketball:Reggie Miller Compares Victor Wembanyama's Rise to Early Steph Curry

Game 6 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 9:23 AM.