Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does not crack top ten in All-Star votes

The Oklahoma City Thunder inked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a max contract this offseason, nailing down their point guard of the future, the star that will take them into the next era of Thunder basketball, and a young player still vying for his first All-Star nod. Gilgeous-Alexander nearly captured All-Star status last season before the league elected Mike Conley as a replacement player giving the long-time veteran a lifetime achievement award and rewarding the Jazz for a winning record.

Last season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plated in 35 of the 72 games and was on a rampage before hurting his foot. The Kentucky product posted 23 points per game, six assists, four rebounds, a steal per game while turning in shooting splits of 50-percent from the floor, 41-percent from deep, and 80-percent at the line. A deserving all-star nod for the first time solo act, a leader of a franchise under a new head coach, and in his third new system in as many years.

This season, SGA has already captured a player of the week honor and a nominee for December Player of the Month. With more stability and some more help, Gilgeous-Alexander has added different tools to his game. Notably his step-back three, but there have also been strides made on the defensive end. SGA remains an elite rim finisher, with an amazing pace to the game, his driving numbers and drive-and-kick numbers are top of the league.

OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not in the top ten of the All-Star voting

Though, SGA has seen a dip in his per-game totals during the 2021-22 campaign down to 22 points, four rebounds, five assists, and a steal per game. The real issue comes with the 23-year-old’s shooting splits posting 41-percent from the floor, 28-percent from deep, but improving to 82-percent at the free-throw line.

The NBA All-Star voting opened up on December 25th, as fans get to vote in All-Star starters counting for 50-percent of the vote with the other half split between Media and players. The league announced an update on the voting and SGA could not crack the top ten of Western Conference guards being surpassed by Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, Klay Thompson, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Edwards.

There is still time to vote in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the league’s All-Star game in Cleveland later this season.