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

SALT LAKE CITY – The Thunder are in full force at the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend in Utah, with Josh Giddey and rookie Jalen Williams competing with the Jordan Rising Stars, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will take the floor for the All-Star game on Sunday Night.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the first Thunder All-Star since Chris Paul in 2019-20, an accolade that transcends his incredible play this season and serves as a key milestone in the team’s rebuilding.

With Giddey making his second All-Star Weekend appearance in as many seasons in the league, it’s added motivation for the Australian to see the Aussie take the same leap forward as he pits his backcourt running-mate in the Marquee of the NBA sees. But for now, his focus is on helping the Thunder keep making noise in the Western Conference.

Watch the 2023 All-Star Game on Sling TV: Register Today!

“To see your teammate is an All-Star, obviously so excited for him, so happy for him. I think he’s deserved that for a while now and it’s great to see him receiving that recognition,” Giddey told The Sporting News.

“For us, at the end of the day, the team is not overtaken by individual awards. I think the more we can grow together, whether we have three All-Stars, five All-Stars or no All-Stars, the team environment is still the same, and I think that’s the best thing about our young group, the Boys are really happy for each other.

“Whether I’m an All-Star next year, in 10 years or never, you’re treated the same when you enter the building, so it’s a great environment to be in.”

Despite only being in his second season in the league, by the age of 20 Giddey has established himself as one of the key leaders in this Thunder roster and is taking charge as one of the faces of the franchise.

“Of course, as a Guardian, you must be a leader, you must have a voice. I think you’re an extension of the coach on the floor in that sense,” Giddey added.

“In my second year, it’s not usually a leadership role for a guy that young, but we have such a young team, the guys have to adapt to new roles very quickly and I’ve embraced that. I love being loud and trying to help teammates, so definitely a fun part of the game.”

Giddey comes on for the League Fits crown

Gilgeous-Alexander may hold the crown as King of League Fits, but Giddey is doing his best to bring his name into the conversation.

Giddey’s off-court style has been turning heads since his rookie season. On Saturday night, he got the Twitter timeline buzzing and rocked a tailored blue fur coat to the Rising Stars Challenge, with a little inspiration from Justin Bieber.

MORE: How Josh Giddey creates unique style on and off the floor

“The coat… that was probably my boldest thing I’ve ever worn,” Giddey said after the Jordan Rising Stars.

“It’s All-Star weekend, so you gotta dress up.

“I saw a photo of Justin Bieber wearing a very similar coat and I told my agent I wanted to wear it and he had it customized and we got it ready in time for All Star Weekend made.

“I wanted to do something with it and I think the fit went well tonight.”