Photo: Peter Baba

Oklahoma City Thunder executive Sam Presti strongly defended MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against criticism that he relies on manipulating officials to draw fouls, arguing that the star guard’s approach differs from that of many players around the league.

Presti pointed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s conduct on the court as evidence that he does not attempt to influence referees through excessive complaining or confrontational behavior.

“All NBA players do is complain, bitch and moan and try to intimidate the officials with bad behavior in the games to give foul calls,” the Thunder executive said.

“He’s gotten three technical fouls this year. None for complaining. One for waving a towel in support of someone that hit a shot that doesn’t play very often. Okay. So he’s not doing that.”