The NBA announced its 2024 Rising Stars challenge participants and the Oklahoma City Thunder will have three representatives.
Unsurprisingly, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace were all included among the 21 rookies and second-year players involved. Both Holmgren and Williams round out OKC’s impressive young trio, who are fighting for first place.
In 44 games, Williams is averaging 18.7 points on 53.9% shooting, 4.5 assists and four rebounds. He’s shooting 45% from 3 on 3.2 attempts.
The second-year wing has blossomed into OKC’s second-best scorer. The 22-year-old participated in the Rising Stars challenge last season during his rookie season.
In 47 games, Holmgren is averaging 16.7 points on 53.3% shooting, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.6 blocks. He’s shooting 37.4% from 3 on 4.1 attempts.
The 21-year-old has had a phenomenal rookie campaign after missing all of last season recovering from a Lisfranc injury.
Meanwhile, Wallace has served a key role for the Thunder as one of their top bench options and someone who receives spot starts when needed.
In 47 games, the 20-year-old has averaged 6.7 points on 51.5% shooting, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He’s shooting 42.3% from on 2.6 attempts.
Thunder PR on Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace on being named to the Rising Stars challenge: pic.twitter.com/n10VBxkean
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) January 30, 2024
Holmgren, Williams and Wallace will join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — who was named an All-Star starter — for the weekend festivities. Keyontae Johnson will also participate in the G League’s tournament.
The 2024 Rising Stars challenge is set to be played on Saturday, Feb. 17 in Indiana.
The full 28 players involved — 21 in the NBA and seven in the G League — are the following:
