The conversation surrounding All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his defensive skills has gained traction recently, particularly following criticism from three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem. As the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar excels offensively, questions have emerged regarding the legitimacy of his defensive capabilities, especially in the context of Defensive Player of the Year discussions.
Udonis Haslem weighed in on the debate, challenging the notion that Gilgeous-Alexander should be a frontrunner for the DPOY award. Haslem contended that top-tier players often evade responsibility for defending the best opposing scorers, opting instead to guard the weakest offensive threats.
Amidst the accolades for Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess and ranking among the league’s best in steals, critics like Haslem highlight that these achievements can be misleading. They argue that when a player defends against less formidable opponents, it provides an opportunity to accumulate impressive stats without necessarily impacting the game’s outcome defensively.
Kendrick Perkins fueled this dialogue further with statements regarding Gilgeous-Alexander’s defensive presence, advocating for his acknowledgment in the DPOY conversation. However, Haslem’s rebuttal offers a reality check, reminding fans and analysts alike of the intricacies involved in evaluating a player’s overall defensive impact.
Udonis Haslem Gives Harsh Take on Oklahoma City Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Defense
Just recently, Haslem gave his own take on Gilgeous-Alexander’s defense. This can be seen in a video shared by NBA on ESPN’s official account on X.
“Why isn’t [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation?”—@KendrickPerkins 👀
“It’s because he’s guarding the weakest defender on the other team.”—@ThisIsUD 😮 pic.twitter.com/XCSEhxoA3R
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 19, 2025
As the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to pursue a successful season, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance will remain under scrutiny. While his offensive talents shine, the discussion concerning his defensive efforts suggests that he may need to take on a more proactive role against tougher opponents to solidify his status among elite defenders.
Haslem’s critiques serve as a reminder of the complexities within player evaluations in professional basketball. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has undoubtedly made strides this season, the question of his defensive effectiveness will likely linger, posing challenges on his journey toward both individual accolades and team success.
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