Thunder’s Josh Giddey motivated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s All-Star nod

SALT LAKE CITY — The Thunder are out in full pressure on the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend in Utah, with Josh Giddey and rookie Jalen Williams competing within the Jordan Rising Stars, whereas Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to take the ground for the All-Star Recreation Sunday evening.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the primary Thunder All-Star since Chris Paul in 2019-20, an accolade that goes past his unimaginable play this season, serving as a key milestone within the group’s rebuild.

With Giddey making his second look at All-Star Weekend in as many seasons within the league, seeing his backcourt operating mate within the NBA’s marquee showcase is including motivation for the Aussie to make that very same leap sooner or later. However for now, he is centered on serving to the Thunder proceed to make noise within the Western Convention.  

“I feel he’s deserved that for some time.” – Josh Giddey on @okcthunder teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being named an #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/gxhWTzi5hx

— Benyam Kidane (@BenyamKidane) February 18, 2023

Watch the 2023 All-Star Recreation on Sling TV: Enroll immediately!

“To see your teammate be an All-Star, clearly so excited for him, so blissful for him. I feel he is deserved that for some time now and it is nice to see him get that recognition,” Giddey instructed The Sporting Information.

“For us on the finish of the day, the group’s not too caught up on particular person accolades. I feel the extra we will continue to grow collectively, whether or not we have got three All-Stars, 5 All-Stars or no All-Stars, the group atmosphere remains to be the identical, and I feel that is the very best half about our younger group, guys are genuinely blissful for one another.

“Whether or not I am an All-Star subsequent 12 months, in 10 years, or by no means am, you are handled the identical manner while you step within the constructing, so it is an excellent atmosphere to be in.”

[embedded content]

Regardless of solely being in his sophomore season within the league, at 20 years outdated, Giddey has established himself as one of many key leaders on this Thunder squad, embracing the duty as one of many faces of the franchise. 

“Being a guard, it’s important to naturally be a pacesetter, it’s important to have a voice. I assume you are an extension of the coach in that sense on the ground,” Giddey added.

“Being in my second 12 months, it is not sometimes a management function for such a younger man, however we have got such a younger group, guys are type of having to adapt to new roles in a short time and I’ve embraced that. I love being vocal and making an attempt to assist teammates out, so undoubtedly a enjoyable a part of the sport.”

Giddey coming for League Suits crown

Gilgeous-Alexander may maintain the crown because the King of League Suits, however Giddey is doing his finest so as to add his title to the dialog.

Giddey’s off-court type has been turning heads since his rookie season. On Saturday evening, he had the Twitter timeline buzzing, rocking a customized blue fur coat to the Rising Stars Problem, with a bit of inspiration from Justin Bieber.

MORE: How Josh Giddey crafts distinctive type on and off the ground

Josh Giddey’s customized made coat 🥶#JordanRisingStars | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/GOav5yd1CU

— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023

“The coat… that was most likely my most daring factor I’ve ever worn,” Giddey mentioned following the Jordan Rising Stars.

“It is All-Star Weekend so that you gotta gown up. 

“It is #NBAAllStar Weekend so that you gotta gown up.” https://t.co/3X6Us6eLWO pic.twitter.com/yiwyM7sftm

— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023

“I noticed a photograph of Justin Bieber carrying a reasonably related coat and I instructed my agent I wish to put on it and he received it customised and we received it made simply in time for All-Star Weekend.

“I wished to do one thing with it and I feel the match went effectively tonight.”