Overview
- In a Sports Illustrated interview with Chris Mannix, the Thunder guard said the numbers do not support claims that he gets disproportionate trips to the line.
- He averages 9.1 free-throw attempts per game, tied for second in the league with Deni Avdija, while Luka Doncic leads at 10.3.
- He framed the scrutiny as healthy for the NBA, saying the attention creates buzz, energizes rivalries, grows TV interest, and ultimately benefits players financially.
- He said fan complaints track with allegiances, noting that home crowds rarely object to stars such as Nikola Jokic or Luka Doncic drawing fouls.
- Reporting notes that many rivals and fans still believe he receives a favorable whistle, even as figures like Reggie Miller publicly defend his approach.