Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams Added to Jordan Rising Stars Roster
Oklahoma City’s youthful core will be in active in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has all but secured an All-Stat spot with MVP-caliber play and will have a chance to put on another show in the game. SGA won’t be the only one taking part in the festivities, though.
On Tuesday, Shams reported both Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey were selected for the NBA’s Rising Stars game.
Giddey, a sophomore, played in the Rising Stars game a season ago and has improved in nearly every statistical category on the court this season. The point guard is up to 16.1 points, eight rebounds and 5.7 assists, and seems to be developing strong chemistry with Gilgeous-Alexander. His fit in Oklahoma City’s seems be be falling into place.
His shooting improvement has been noticeable. Giddey is shooting 48.5% from the floor and 32.6% from 3-point range, up from 41.9% and 26.3% a season ago. His off-season commitment has been evident.
As a late lottery pick in 2023, Williams is starting to look like a steal. With a trip to the Rising Stars game, he’ll be able to make a few more highlight reels behind his signature emphatic dunks. On the season, J-Dub is averaging 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Williams has been critical for the Thunder on both sides of the floor, and is regularly starting night in and night out. He’s been everything Oklahoma City could’ve hoped for to this point and is deserving of a spot on the Rising Stars roster.
Over the last three games alone, Williams is averaging 20 points per contest. The only obvious flaw in his current game is found in his 3-point percentage, but he’s shown flashes there, too.
Despite two close losses a week ago, Oklahoma City has widely defied expectations so far this season. The Thunder is 24-26 fighting for a spot in the play-in game. Pieces like Giddey and Williams, and the constant progression they show each game, seem to a big reason for the Thunder’s success.
The Rising Stars game will take place on Friday, Feb. 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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