OKC Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams Snubbed From All-Star Reserve Selections
After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned a starting spot in the All-Star Game, the Oklahoma City Thunder had high hopes for another selection.
The NBA announced All-Star reserves on Thursday, and no Thunder players were selected. While Gilgeous-Alexander was named a starter thanks to a combination of voting by fans, players and media, the reserves are chosen by coaches.
Although the Thunder had a couple of potential selections, their youth always made it an uphill battle. Chet Holmgren was the Thunder’s best chance at having an All-Star reserve and could still be a strong candidate for an injury replacement.
This season, Holmgren has averaged 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds while playing in all of Oklahoma City’s 48 games. Although defense is rarely rewarded in All-Star Games, Holmgren has been a star on that end, ranking fourth in blocks per game at 2.6.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver names injury replacements, and his picks have often rewarded winning. But even if Oklahoma City is the top seed in the West, Holmgren would have to overcome the decade-plus drought of rookies in the All-Star Game.
Blake Griffin in 2011 was the most recent player to get a nod in his first season. Meanwhile, another 2022 lottery pick had an outside case for an All-Star selection.
Jalen Williams, last season's Rookie of the Year runner-up, is the Thunder’s second-leading scorer this season at 18.7 points and has been one of the league’s best 3-point shooters at 45%. The second-year star has improved his case in recent weeks with fourth-quarter takeovers.
Although neither player was selected for the All-Star Game, they will participate in All-Star Weekend, joining Cason Wallace in the Rising Stars Game. Considering the success they have had so far in their careers, Holmgren and Williams may not be far from making the jump to All-Stars.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
