OKC Thunder: Recent skid more evidence that SGA was All-Star snub

For the majority of the 2020-21 campaign, the OKC Thunder have been a sound surprise for the fanbase and, frankly, NBA fans. Coming into the year, the projections were that the franchise would be in a full-out tank mode in pursuit of the No. 1 overall pick and, in turn, select Oklahoma State standout, Cade Cunningham.

However, by the All-Star break, the Thunder were boasting a 15-21 record and were sitting soundly in the play-in tournament hunt.

Like last season’s Cinderella story, this year’s squad has been led by a stud guard, this time in the shape of 22-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Through 35 games played, the third-year player is finding himself posting averages of 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.7 rebounds on 51 percent shooting from the floor and 42 percent shooting from downtown.

Much to our surprise, these averages were not enough to thrust SGA into this year’s NBA All-Star game which, frankly, can only be viewed as a snub, especially considering the fact that the likes of Mike Conley was selected over him.

Unfortunately, just recently the guard suffered a foot injury (plantar fasciitis) and, as a result, has been out for the past seven outings with no set timeline for a return to action.

To us at TI, we believe his absence from the team both recently and sporadically throughout the season provides more evidence as to why we view the man was an All-Star snub.

Recent skid for OKC Thunder more evidence as to why SGA was an All-Star snub

Over these past seven games on the schedule, the OKC Thunder have won just once and have seen losses by 20+ points on four separate occasions, one of which was lost by as many as 48 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Throughout the entirety of this season, Gilgeous-Alexander has missed 15 total games and, in turn, the team holds a measly record of 4-11 without him.

In truth, there are many examples of players putting up impressive stats in a season but have not exactly aided in a team’s overall success — at least, in comparison to when they’re not on the hardwood.

SGA, however, has helped give fans hope this season and, at one point even shifted their desire for an anti-tank mentality.

Though since he’s gone down to injury, the mindset has seemingly reversed, the young stud’s presence on the floor has had a massive influence on the team’s surprise production this season, and their recent skid with him on the sidelines is just another example of his value to the franchise and of how he was snubbed from receiving an All-Star selection.