Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder: All Star selection a tall task for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Lawrence George

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

OKC Thunder are “the black eye of the league”

For whatever reason, the media has covered Oklahoma City’s rebuild with a fine tooth comb to the point where other franchises have escaped criticism for doing the exact same thing. How does this impact Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s quest for All-Star selection? Outside this fanbase, people have taken this idea and actively used it to detract from his individual play. Remember, OKC “is the black eye of the league” according to the National Media.

The Oklahoma City Thunder figure to be fighting for a top lottery position during the 2022-23 season. They have a brutal first half of the season schedule, playing 26 of their first 41 games vs teams that were in the playoffs a year ago.

To add insult to injury, Gilgeous-Alexander could also miss the first few games with a knee injury. With Chet Holmgren confirmed to miss the entire year, any time missed by the 24-year-old makes it harder for the Thunder to win games.

While making it more difficult to win games meets the Thunder’s overall goals, it does hurt Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual case at an All-Star nod.

The “someone has to score the ball” argument continues to run rampant in NBA circles and although it is true to an extent, it is extremely hard to average big numbers on solid efficiency.

Since the Thunder began their rebuild, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 24 points, six assists and five rebounds on 47-34-81 shooting splits over the span of 91 games.

In his final 13 games after returning from an ankle injury last season, he put up an absurd 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds on 54-39-81 shooting splits. However, detractors will mention the 2-11 record in that span.

Devin Booker is a great example of a player whose skills were doubted due to this mentality and I envision this happening to SGA as well. He will compete with the likes of Damian Lillard, Anthony Edwards, and CJ McCollum who will put up comparable numbers on winning squads.

If these players are compared against each other, his numbers alone won’t be enough to garner a selection.

Home/Thunder News