3 Players the Thunder stars should be recruiting during All-Star Weekend

NBA All-Star Weekend is finally here, and the Oklahoma City Thunder have four players competing in various events. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an All-Star starter in Sunday's game, while tonight the young trio of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace will compete in the Rising Stars event.

Not only will it be an entertaining few days for the players, but it will provide them with a prolonged opportunity to actively recruit. Check out the three players that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company should be persuading this weekend to join up with the Thunder, ending with an All-NBA player who might just be available soon.

The Canada Connection

Should Kelly Olynyk attend the All-Star game to cheer on Scottie Barnes, then he is a prime target for OKC. Per Basketball Reference, the only players to currently rank in the Top-50 in total rebound percentage, assist percentage, and true shooting points added are Domantas Sabonis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic … and Kelly Olynyk. His all-around offensive game promotes immense scheme versatility, which is crucial once the playoffs hit. 

Olynyk is an unrestricted free agent this summer, so OKC can utilize a portion of their cap space to sign him outright. It would significantly beef up their backup center rotation, and the Thunder even have the option to trot him out next to Chet Holmgren in two-big lineups. 

The veteran has not suited up for the Thunder, but he played alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort for Canada during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Therefore, he may be eager to replicate that experience in the NBA.