3 Ripple Effects from Ja Morant’s suspension for the OKC Thunder

The NBA All-Star format is still broken up by conference and position. Will Ja Morant have enough time to make up ground in the race? 

This year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned his first NBA All-Star nod. Ja Morant served as an injury replacement for Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry. Both players shined in Salt Lake City, which was a fun event to cover in person. However, unlike All-NBA, the All-Star event is still voted on the “old fashion” way.

While voting will open approximately a week after Morant’s return, he still has time to garner votes for the February event. Though, if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can repeat his success from the 2022-23 season, his All-Star spot will be locked up.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks in the 83rd percentile in overall offense according to Synergy, 77th percentile in transition, 84th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball handler, and 77th percentile as an isolation scorer. However, his game is not one-sided. Gilgeous-Alexander ranked in the 85th percentile in overall defense, good enough for an “excellent” grade from Synergy.

Mix that with the likely team success as the Thunder look to continue to build on last season, and you have an All-Star lock in Oklahoma City.