Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned a starting nod in Friday night’s Rising Stars Game that kicked off the 2020 All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
A member of Team World, it’s the second-straight Rising Stars appearance for Gilgeous-Alexander, who was selected to last year’s squad as a rookie.
In that game, he scored 15 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out six assists, although Team USA beat Team World, 161-144.
In his first season for Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder’s leading scorer, averaging 19.5 points per game and second on the team in rebounding, pulling down 6.1 boards per game.
It’s not just the statistics that have earned Gilgeous-Alexander a spot showcasing his talents inside the United Center, although they certainly don’t hurt.
He has displayed exponential growth since coming to OKC, essentially ensuring that the Thunder, whenever they do decide to rebuild, won’t have to hit rock bottom before they’re capable of bouncing back and being a title contender.
Gilgeous-Alexander is one of four Canadians on the Team World roster this year, joined by his cousin Nickeil Walker-Alexander, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Clarke.
As noted by Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman, Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection to a second-straight Rising Stars Game as a good indicator of future All-Star appearances. According to Mussatto, in the 25 years that the NBA has held a Rising Stars Game (formerly the Rookie Challenge) 30.5% of the players who participated have gone on to be All-Stars.
And if Gilgeous-Alexander keeps producing plays like the behind the back, through the legs, Shai scoop, it probably won’t be much longer.
behind the back, through the legs, on the money. pic.twitter.com/DZFWUF42tE
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 15, 2020
Gilgeous-Alexander is also competing in Saturday night’s Skills Challenge, replacing Derrick Rose who dropped out due to injury.