‘It would be an honor’
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is preparing to receive his first All-Star selection of his NBA career. In 29 starts this season, the fifth-year player is averaging career highs of 31.2 points, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
In addition to 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists, he also shoots 49.8% from the ground and 33.3% over the arc. “It would be an honor. I know I dream of it if not every kid in the world dreams of it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of his first All-Star selection.
Based on a few NBA betting sites, Oklahoma City has the 5th lowest odds of winning the championship in 2023. However, sportsbooks have the Thunder Guard as their top favorites to win the Most Improved Player of the Year title.
SGA on the possibility of being selected as an All-Star:
“It would be an honor. It’s something I know I dream about.” ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/XjPFSXC7Or
– NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2022
Gilgeous-Alexander got used to hearing “MVP!” Chants in every home game in the Paycom Center. “I would say I’m getting used to her more and more,” said the Oklahoma City star. “But it’s always fun… Definitely appreciate them.”
Nonetheless, the Thunder Guard is the #1 favorite to win the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year this season. But quite a few sportsbooks don’t expect Gilgeous-Alexander to become MVP. The 24-year-old has the 14th best chance on the list.
Thunder Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on All-Star Selection: “It would be an honor”
Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid round out the top 5 players with the best odds of winning the MVP in 2023.
Of course, bettors can still count on the Kentucky product earning their first All-Star selection and winning MIP this season. His closest competitor to win the award is Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. His average career bests are 20 points and 10.6 assists per game.
SGA on his MVP chants: “I’d say I’m getting more and more comfortable with them as they move on. But it’s always fun… I definitely really appreciate them.”
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 22, 2022
On November 16, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 42 points in Oklahoma City’s 121-120 win over the Washington Wizards.
He completed 14 of 22 (63.6%) shots from the field and knocked down two 3-pointers in 35 minutes of play. SGA reached its career high on December 12 when the Thunder lost 121-114 to the Dallas Mavericks.
As a reminder, All-Star Voting is now open. Fan Voting for the 2022 All-Star Game closes on Saturday, January 22nd.
