Oklahoma City Thunder's Presence Felt at All Star Weekend

The stars were out in full force in Utah on Sunday night, scoring points in bunches and playing optional defense. One thing was clear in Salt Lake City, though: the future is incredibly bright for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Both Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey competed in the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played in his first All Star Game. It seemed like every time a Thunder player scored over the weekend, the television crew had a monologue prepared gushing over the potential of a budding star in Oklahoma City.

“I think having three guys here, it's pretty good for our future," Gilgeous-Alexander told the media. "It means we're headed in the right direction, on the right track. As long as we continue to get better, we'll be good. I'm happy for those guys, and I'm happy for the team, for sure.”

Giddey was even mic’d up during the Rising Stars game. He had plenty of good things to say about his own team, while the announcers piled on. Both Giddey and Williams performed best in the semifinal game against Team Jason Terry. Giddey finished with three points, drilling his lone 3-pointer, while tallying six assists and three rebounds. Williams added four points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

“Those are like my brothers, above all," Gilgeous-Alexander said. I want to support them. They're at a point in their career where support helps. I really just want to watch them play basketball. Usually I'm playing with them and I don't get to watch them, but I got to see brilliance last night, for sure.”

Gilgeous-Alexander didn't get extended court time in his first All Star appearance, but made the most of his nine minutes. SGA added nine points on 4-of-5 shooting with seven assists and two rebounds.

It wasn’t just the television crew and Gilgeous-Alexander taking notice of Oklahoma City’s exciting young core. It seemed like a hot topic of discussion.

LeBron James, who broke the all-time scoring record in a loss against the Thunder, had plenty of great things to say about OKC too, starting with the team's point guard.

“Josh Giddey’s really, really good, man,” LeBron said. “Obviously, a tall point guard. He’s a triple-double type of playmaker every single night because of his ability to rebound at his size, his instinctive passing, and he has the ability to score in the paint. I think he’s going to continue to get better and better.”

It wasn't the first time James has made positive comments to the media regarding the Thunder. He's also praised general manager Sam Presti on several occasions, and took the question beyond just Giddey's game.

“They have a really good young core over in OKC," James said. "And they don’t even have Chet (Holmgren) there just yet. But Josh is a really good player along with other rookies that they have this year, and obviously, we know first-time (All-Star) Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) is really good, and the rest of that crew over there. (Giddey) is a pretty good player for sure. You guys should be proud.”

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