Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 players that could make the All-Star team this season

The Oklahoma City Thunder may be located in one of the smallest markets in the NBA, but the team has had a regular presence at the All-Star Game during its existence. Kevin Durant made seven All-Star selections during his time with the Thunder, while Russell Westbrook managed eight appearances during his 11 seasons in Oklahoma City.

Nevertheless, following the surprise summer departures of Westbrook and Paul George, the Thunder are now left without a guaranteed All-Star for the first time.

While it may be too late for Chris Paul to get back into the All-Star mix, a few members of the current roster have the potential to appear in Chicago if they find form over the next few months.

So, ahead of the 2019-20 season, here are three OKC Thunder players that have a shot at being selected for the 2020 All-Star Game.

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#3 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will replace Russell Westbrook as the face of the OKC Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected 11th overall in the 2018 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, although the young point guard was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't expected to play a prominent role in his rookie season, although after a promising showing during Summer League, he went on to play in all 82 regular-season games (73 starts).

The 21-year-old finished the season averaging 10.8 points and 3.3 assists per game, although his performances against the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs suggested that he is destined for stardom.

Following his trade to the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander is viewed as the future of the organization and is expected to start ahead of Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder.

Due to this, the combo guard will have the opportunity to put up big numbers across the board, and if he takes the second-year leap that many expect, he could be an outside contender to make the All-Star Game.

#2 Danilo Gallinari

Danilo Gallinari appears to have finally overcome his injury issues

Collectively, the Los Angeles Clippers didn't get the credit they deserved during their expectation-defying 2018-19 season, and Danilo Gallinari's excellent performances were largely overlooked.

The Italian's career has been derailed by injuries since being drafted sixth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, although the 31-year-old managed to overcome his issues during an excellent season.

Over 68 appearances, Gallinari averaged 19.8 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 43% from beyond the arc. While he was ultimately snubbed for the 2019 All-Star Game, his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder puts him in a position to post career numbers as he chases a big payday next summer.

The veteran will likely top 20 points for the first time in his career, and if he can continue his accuracy from beyond the arc while also guiding the Thunder to a respectable record, there is no doubting he will be in the frame to make the game in Chicago.

#1 Steven Adams

Steven Adams is set to enjoy a huge season following the departure of Russell Westbrook

Since breaking out in the 2016 Western Conference playoffs, many fans around the NBA have questioned just how good Steven Adams could be without Russell Westbrook by his side. While the duo enjoyed a great relationship, Adams often allowed Westbrook to pull down easy rebounds while also sacrificing his own offensive game to accommodate the 2017 MVP.

Nevertheless, after three years of taking a backseat, Adams is now presented with the opportunity to show the NBA what a monstrous force he truly is. Without Westbrook, the 26-year-old should comfortably post career highs in points and rebounds, and he begins the season among the favorites to be named the NBA's Most Improved Player.

Admittedly, Adams will face intense competition from the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Nikola Jokic, and Rudy Gobert, although if the Thunder man can live up to his potential, everything is in place for him to make his maiden All-Star appearance.