OKC Thunder: Terrance Ferguson, Hamidou Diallo snubbed by NBA for Rising Stars Game
Rookies and sophomores were announced for All-Star weekend 2019 with OKC Thunder rookie Hamidou Diallo and sophomore Terrance Ferguson not making the cut.
The OKC Thunder have strung together six wins in a row and are firmly planted in the upper three seeds of the West. Having been able to navigate a bit of a slide much of the news cycle has focused on the outstanding play of Paul George
Much to his critic’s dismay Russell Westbrook is once again averaging a triple-double incredibly. And yet, as Gideon Lim pointed out a very real reason why the OKC Thunder have been one of the three most consistent top Western clubs this season is the play of the team’s ‘others’.
That includes the rise of youngster Terrance Ferguson and the occasional energetic bursts by Hamidou Diallo with the reserve unit. In fairness, the crop of rookies and sophomores to select from for the United States team is quite extensive. Still, the snub of TFerg is harsh given what he’s done this season.
In fact, his production defensively and consistency from the perimeter have not only replaced the gaping hole left by Andre Roberson but have opened the door for queries on whether Roberson should be coming off the bench when he does return. Much of this is tied to the team’s strength defensively but more so because his ability to spread the floor is a very real thing!
The following is the list of players who’ll play in the Rising Stars Game on Friday, February 15th:
World Team:
- Luka Doncic, rookie, Dallas Mavericks
- Ben Simmons, sophomore, Philadelphia 76ers
- Deandre Ayton – rookie, Phoenix Suns
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – rookie, LA Clippers
- Lauri Markkanen – sophomore, Chicago Bulls
- OG Anunoby – sophomore, Toronto Raptors
- Bogdan Bogdanovic – sophomore, Sacramento Kings
- Cedi Osman – sophomore, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Rodions Kurucs – rookie, Brooklyn Nets
- Josh Okogie – rookie, Minnesota Timberwolves
Team USA:
- De’Aaron Fox – sophomore, Sacramento Kings
- Jayson Tatum – sophomore, Boston Celtics
- Trae Young – rookie, Atlanta Hawks
- Donovan Mitchell – sophomore, Utah Jazz
- Jaren Jackson Jr. – rookie, Memphis Grizzlies
- Lonzo Ball – sophomore, LA Lakers
- Kyle Kuzma, sophomore, LA Lakers
- Marvin Bagley III – rookie, Sacramento Kings
- Jarrett Allen – sophomore, Brooklyn Nets
- John Collins – sophomore, Atlanta Hawks
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The notable takeaway is the sophomores took the majority of openings with 12 of the 20 spots and seven of 10 on the U.S. squad.
Unlike the reserves (who’ll be announced tonight) these selections don’t often take into consideration team records which also may have worked against TFerg.
So far participants for the All-Star Saturday night haven’t been officially released although some names have been released. CBS Sports provided some leaks for the three All-Star Saturday night events.
Both Curry brothers (Stephen and Seph) are expected to participate in the 3-point competition along with Mavericks veteran Dirk Nowitzki, Buddy Hield and Damian Lillard. Presumably, Devin Booker will be back to defend his title, but that still leaves a few openings.
As for the Skills competition, the only names whispered so far are Trae Young, Luka Doncic and De’Aaron Fox which means another five have yet to be determined. If the league sticks with the big men versus the guards then most of the players yet to be named will be pulled from teams frontcourt players.
Finally, the Slam Dunk competition has mentioned just Dennis Smith Jr. and Miles Bridges (from Hornets) which means at least two more players need to be added to this list. Maybe a concerted effort from the fanbase could help get TFerg into the slam dunk competition (assuming he has any interest in participating).
Related Story. OKC owe good start to fit and production of role playing ‘others’. light
As mentioned, it’s expected Russell Westbrook will be announced as a reserve this evening on the TNT Inside the NBA program.
The MTN DEW ICE Rising Stars Challenge will take place on Friday, February 15 in Charlotte with a 9:00 p.m. EST tipoff. All-Star Saturday Night events take place on Saturday February 16 and the big game is played on Sunday, February 17.