Could the OKC Thunder Have a Second All-Star This Season?
Oklahoma City is already home to one All-Star, but it could soon be home to more.
While it is unlikely for the Thunder to get another representative for the All-Star Game in Indianapolis, it is not impossible. The Thunder’s best chance to join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lies with rookie Chet Holmgren.
However, the simple fact that Holmgren is in his first season makes a selection an uphill battle. A rookie has not played in the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin in 2011.
With Griffin also missing his first season with an injury, Oklahoma City’s big man is looking to follow that path. Although his numbers have been good, 17.1 points and 7.3 rebounds are not those of typical All-Stars.
So, much like his case for Rookie of the Year, Holmgren’s best opportunity to make it will be Oklahoma City’s success. After a win in New Orleans, where Holmgren shined, the team sits at 32-13 and moved to first in the Western Conference.
The 7-footer has transformed the Thunder’s defense this season, as he is near the top of the league with 2.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, he is a versatile threat offensively and shooting 38% from 3-point range.
Although his stats will likely not be enough to be voted to the team by coaches, he could be an ideal candidate as an injury replacement. Those players are chosen by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who has rewarded players on teams near the top of the standings in the past.
Another potential candidate could be Jalen Williams, the Thunder’s second-leading scorer. With 18.7 points per game and improved shooting numbers, he is a legitimate second option on the perimeter.
But what could get Williams in is how he gets those numbers. The second-year forward takes control of the offense when Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench to start the fourth quarter.
Along with his stretches to begin the final frame, Williams has made a number of big shots in the clutch and does so with efficiency. And although defense is frowned upon in the All-Star Game, the wing averages more than a steal per game, while his wingspan allows him to be effective in almost any matchup.
While both players are locks to be in Indiana as Rising Stars, it is still within reach that one of them will get into the main event.
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