US media mockingly depicted Alexander as a beggar begging for free throws, wrapped in bubble wrap that must not be touched.

As of October 26th Beijing time, Alexander had accumulated 40 free throw attempts in the first two regular-season games. His “free throw tendency” has stirred debate in American media, with the Thunder’s core player becoming a league figure that opponents are hesitant to foul.

On the NBA stage, Alexander’s offensive danger stems not only from his penetrating drives and jump shots but also from his special talent for drawing fouls. In the first two games of the new season, US media used satirical images to put him in the spotlight, from a “beggar version” looking down-and-out to an exaggerated “bubble wrap” protection, all mocking the Thunder star as someone you simply can’t foul. Coupled with his free throw stats, the discussion about his “art of drawing fouls” is stirring widespread attention across the league.

In the first satirical image labeled “beggar version,” Alexander is shown slumped on the court, holding a broken bowl as if begging for free throws. The second image exaggerates further, showing him wrapped entirely in bubble wrap, as if he would shatter at the slightest touch. This media mockery sharply highlights the controversy around his ability to draw fouls.Some parody outlets even fabricated a Twitter response from Alexander himself: “Who’s sending me these pics… Prepare to be blocked.” In reality, Alexander hasn’t updated his Twitter in over a year.

Why are fans and media so fixated on his “free throw tendency”? The root cause is that he has refined drawing fouls into a core offensive skill. On the fast-paced NBA court, he consistently uses rhythm changes and body control to turn even slight defensive contact into referee whistles. This “falls at the slightest touch” impression has become perfect material for US media satire.

In the season opener against the Rockets, Alexander earned 14 free throw attempts, while in the second game against the Pacers, he got 26 attempts (converting 23 points), setting personal records for both attempts and makes. The 23 points he scored from the line accounted for 41.8% of his career-high 55 points.

Is this an “art of drawing fouls” or an “exploitation of league rules”?

The controversy over Alexander’s free throws essentially reflects a struggle between “competitive basketball” and “rule exploitation.” Supporters argue he has simply mastered the NBA rules: using precise body control and rhythm shifts to put defenders’ actions into a “gray area” of fouling, a clever survival strategy for smart players. Just like Harden once was known for “drawing fouls,” which eventually helped him become an MVP-level star.

Opponents believe that excessive reliance on free throws harms the viewing experience. When fans want to see thrilling contests, dunks, or difficult jump shots, frequent whistle stops disrupt the game’s flow. The US media’s parody images also reflect some fans’ feelings: basketball should be about physical contests, not theatrical offense that falls at the slightest touch.

What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to leave your comments and share your opinions.