For the first time in four years, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won’t be suiting up for NBA All-Star weekend. The reigning MVP has been ruled out through the break due to an abdominal strain, and his absence is a noticeable one.
When a player of his caliber misses the league’s marquee midseason showcase, it takes a little shine off the festivities. Still, the show goes on-and the door opens for another rising star to step into the spotlight.
That next man up? Alperen Sengun.
The Houston Rockets big man has been named as Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury replacement and will join Team World in the revamped All-Star format, a three-team round-robin tournament that’s replacing the traditional East vs. West showdown. It’s a well-earned nod for Sengun, who’s quietly been building a strong case all season as one of the most versatile bigs in the game.
Sengun won’t be alone in representing Houston. He’ll be joined by teammate Kevin Durant, giving the Rockets a double presence in the league’s biggest celebration of talent.
And Sengun’s recent performance shows why he belongs: in a 112-106 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder-a team still adjusting to life without their MVP-Sengun dropped a 17-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. It was a statement game, both for him and for a Rockets squad that’s starting to find its rhythm.
As for the Thunder, they’re still navigating the choppy waters of Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence. They’ve dropped two straight in a five-game stretch without their superstar.
No team wants to be without their best player, especially during a playoff push, but with the All-Star break offering a built-in recovery window, the timing could be worse. Trading five games now for three weeks of rest might pay off long-term-especially if it means getting a fully healthy SGA back for the stretch run.
Even without Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder will still have representation in Indianapolis. Rookie standout Chet Holmgren will suit up for Team USA in the All-Star weekend’s new format.
He’ll be sharing the floor with an exciting group of young stars: Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Devin Booker, Tyrese Maxey, Scottie Barnes, Jalen Johnson, and Jalen Duren. That’s a squad loaded with athleticism, skill, and future All-NBA potential.
So while Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence is a tough blow for fans hoping to see the reigning MVP on the big stage, the All-Star weekend still promises plenty of fireworks. Sengun gets a well-deserved spotlight, Durant adds veteran star power, and Holmgren continues his impressive rookie campaign with a chance to shine among the league’s best young talent.
The stars may shift, but the stage is still set.