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How do OKC Thunder's Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams stack up against NBA All-Star reserves?

justin martinez, the oklahoman
·4 min read

There are only so many spots to go around for the NBA's All-Star Game on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis.

That became apparent on Thursday when the league announced its seven reserves for each of the two conferences.

Among the players who didn't make the cut for the Western Conference were OKC's Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. The two have shined this season for the Thunder (33-15), which is second in the conference standings.

After missing all of last season due to a foot injury, Holmgren is averaging 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a rookie. The 7-foot-1 forward/center also ranks fourth in the NBA in blocks per game (2.6).

Meanwhile, Williams continues to make strides after earning an All-Rookie first-team selection last season. The 6-5 forward is averaging 18.7 points, 4.5 assists and four rebounds, and he ranks fourth in the NBA in 3-point percentage (45%).

Both Holmgren and Williams were selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge on Feb. 16, which features rookies and sophomores. Still, here's how the two OKC players stack up against the seven Western Conference All-Star reserves:

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Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Phoenix's Devin Booker (center) tries to slip between Oklahoma City's Lu Dort (left) and Aaron Wiggins during Wednesday night's NBA game at Footprint Center.
Phoenix's Devin Booker (center) tries to slip between Oklahoma City's Lu Dort (left) and Aaron Wiggins during Wednesday night's NBA game at Footprint Center.

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 28.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists

It's hard to argue with Devin Booker's selection as a reserve. He's averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game despite sharing the floor with Kevin Durant, and he's arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA.

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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a 3-point basket in front of Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) on Nov. 3 at Paycom Center.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a 3-point basket in front of Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) on Nov. 3 at Paycom Center.

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 27.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and five assists

The Warriors (20-24) aren't even in the play-in picture, but Steph Curry was never going to not make the All-Star game. He's still an elite point guard and one of the most lethal scorers in the league.

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Jan 15, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 24.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists

It might seem odd that the Lakers (25-25) have two All-Stars despite being ninth in the West, but Anthony Davis has earned this selection. He has only missed four games this season, and he's one of the best two-way big men in the NBA.

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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates next to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) after making a basket and being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates next to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) after making a basket and being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists

Not only has Anthony Edwards established himself as a superstar this season, but he has also taken Minnesota to new heights. The Timberwolves (34-14) are first in the West, which is more than enough reason for Edwards to get the nod as a reserve.

Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

LA Clippers' Paul George (13) tires to get past Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams (8) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angelos Clippers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.
LA Clippers' Paul George (13) tires to get past Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams (8) during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angelos Clippers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 23 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists

The Clippers (31-15) have won 14 of their last 17 games thanks in part to the strong play of Paul George. He's shooting a career-high 41.2 percent from deep, and he continues to be a high-level defender.

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Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 23.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists

Kawhi Leonard hasn't played in more than 50 games in a season since 2017, but he has only missed four games this season. And for those who question if Leonard and George's deserve to make the cut, the Clippers are simply too hot right now to not have a pair of All-Star reserves.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

Nov 28, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the.first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) in the.first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2023-24 stats as of Feb. 2: 22.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists

Despite having a strong season on a breakout Minnesota team, Towns is the most debatable reserve selection for the West. But even if he were to get replaced, players such as Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are higher on the list of snubs than Holmgren and Williams.

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Were Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams snubbed from NBA All-Star Game?