Yesterday, the starters were announced for the NBA All Star game as elected by the fans, media, and coaches. Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder did not even make the extended list.
Thunder fans have some consolation. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured a spot out of the Western Conference, and Holmgren still has a chance when the coaches vote on the reserves later this month.
Yet Holmgren proactively plead his case on national television against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, showcasing his growing offensive abilities and continuing to mount his campaign for Defensive Player of the Year.
Holmgren has just a few more games to prove to the league he is worthy of his first All Star selection, and he made an undeniable statement against Cleveland.
Chet Holmgren is undeniably a star in the making
Since even before he came into the league, there have been widespread criticisms of Holmgren's game, especially concerning his build and his health.
Even this season, when Holmgren is averaging 18 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while knocking down 38.4% of his attempts from 3-point range, people continue to discount the strides he has taken. Bill Simmons recently left him off his list of All Star starters and reserves.
Holmgren, against Cleveland, proved his critics wrong yet again. Facing off against a formidable frontcourt with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, he posted 28 points, 8 rebounds, and two assists on 11-of-16 shooting from the floor.
Based on his offensive contributions alone, however, his case would only be borderline. It is his defensive impact that truly puts him over the edge.
He amassed two more blocks against the Cavaliers, bringing his total in his last 10 games to a whopping 33. He has become the defensive anchor and the second-leading scorer on far and away the best team in the NBA.
What else does he have to do?
Granted, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama should likely be ahead of him in the West on the basis of star-power alone. Yet with Jokic unlikely to play and the new rosters moving to a position-less format, there's almost no justifiable reason why Holmgren should be left off of the list.
But fan and player voting has already ended. It only depends from here on his ability to impress rival coaches around the NBA.
Hopefully his standout performance against the Cavaliers accomplished that feat.