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Where Do Thunder's Young Duo Stand in Third NBA All-Star Voting Returns?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 10:30 AM ET

So far this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the best teams in the NBA, and they are expected to have at least two players on their roster be named All-Stars.

Oklahoma City currently sits first in the Western Conference standings with a 34-6 record despite dealing with a ton of injuries this season. Of course, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the way for the Thunder this season, but they have also seen Jalen Williams have a breakout campaign.

Due to both players having great seasons, it is expected that both of them will be named All-Stars but will either of them start the NBA All-Star game?

The NBA released the third returns of All-Star fan voting on Thursday and Shai currently holds the most votes among the guard position in the West. He currently has 2,405,404 votes, which leads Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors who has just 1,793,150 votes.

Shai is having a great season and he deserves to be an All-Star starter this season. The 26-year-old is averaging 31.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 35.2% from three this season.

With his numbers and his large lead in fan voting, it is likely that Shai will be an All-Star starter in what will be his third All-Star selection, but the Thunder could also see Williams be a first-time All-Star this season.

Williams has taken another step forward this season and he has taken advantage of becoming the second option due to Chet Holmgren being out with an injury. The 23-year-old is averaging a career-high 20.6 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 48.0% from the field and 34.2% from three.

Williams is currently seventh in voting for the West frontcourt, so it is likely that he will have to wait and see if he is named a reserve for the All-Star game. Fans can continue to vote for both players until Monday, Jan. 20 when voting closes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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