SGA falls on 10.7% of his non-fouled shot attempts, the highest rate among players studied, including James Harden, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Victor Wembanyama.
On shots where a foul is called, SGA falls 51.4% of the time, significantly higher than his counterparts.
Despite perceptions, there is no evidence to confirm whether SGA is deliberately flopping. Some suggest it could be a method to protect his joints.
Why this matters:: The frequency of SGA's falls has become a talking point in the NBA playoffs, influencing fan perception and potentially impacting officiating.
Tom Haberstroh of Yahoo Sports analyzed over 1,300 shots from the playoffs, comparing SGA's fall rate to other prominent players. The study differentiated between falls on shots where a foul was called and those where it wasn't.
| Player | Fall Rate (Non-Fouled Shots) | Fall Rate (Fouled Shots) |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 10.7% | 51.4% |
| James Harden | 8.7% | 29.3% |
| Jalen Brunson | 7.9% | N/A |
| Donovan Mitchell | 7.6% | N/A |
| Victor Wembanyama | 0.6% | 25.0% |
The data reveals that SGA hits the ground far more often than his peers, regardless of whether a foul is called. While some critics accuse him of flopping, others argue that his aggressive drives to the basket and unique footwork may contribute to the higher fall rate. It's also been suggested that falling may be a way for players to minimize the impact on their joints.
Q: Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander considered a flopper?
While SGA falls more often than his peers, there's no definitive evidence to confirm he is flopping.
Q: How does SGA's free-throw rate compare to other players?
SGA averages 9.8 free-throw attempts per game in the playoffs, ranking second behind Paolo Banchero.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander falls more frequently than other NBA stars, but the reasons behind this remain open to interpretation.
The debate highlights the subjectivity and impact of perceived flopping in the NBA.
Understanding these nuances can enhance your viewing experience and appreciation for the game's complexities.
Do you think SGA's falling frequency is a result of flopping, his playing style, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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