As the Golden State Warriors prepare to embark on a journey back to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019, they should also keep in mind that this could be the first season since then that they have had three players in the NBA All-Star Game, as well.
It has been a long time since the Golden State Warriors had three All-Stars on their roster but this season could end the drought.
The 2019 NBA All-Star Game was a fun one, with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson making appearances for the Warriors. Draymond Green was absent, though even he recognized his lackluster start to the season did not warrant an invitation to the All-Star game.
Since then, only Curry has represented the Warriors during the annual All-Star game. Thompson has been sidelined with injury, Durant is in Brooklyn and Green has failed to make a return to All-Star status in the eyes of the NBA.
Nevertheless, things could change this season. Curry is pretty much a lock to return and Green could very well punch his ticket back into the game if the Warriors are among the top teams in the West by February.
Assuming Green and Curry can make it — who would the third All-Star be? Luckily, Golden State has some quality candidates.
Andrew Wiggins
The most likely of which is Andrew Wiggins. He had a career-best season last year and rounded out to become an impactful two-way player.
Wiggins averaged 18.6 points on 47.7 percent shooting from the floor while being one of the league’s most active defenders. In the event that Golden State is a winning team by the All-Star break, and Wiggins is still acting as an efficient 3-and-D threat, he could make his first appearance into the game.
Jordan Poole
Anyone who has been watching the Warriors in preseason recognizes the astronomical path Jordan Poole is on. He’s flourishing into a star before our eyes but will he be able to dazzle us consistently enough to reach the AS game?
Poole’s main means of production is his 3-point shooting, though he has grown heavily as a passer and finisher. He is not a trustworthy defender and he has not built up a consistent reputation from deep. These are all qualities that could hold him back.
Yet, continued explosions like we have seen throughout preseason could vault Poole into All-Star conversations. Especially considering he is filling in for the missing Splash Brother, Klay Thompson.
Klay Thompson
Speaking of Klay, is there any chance Thompson can return quickly enough to reach the All-Star game himself? The answer is probably not, seeing as how Thompson is not expected to return until Christmas at the earliest — giving him just a month’s notice to get his feet under him and play at a level worthy enough of reaching the AS game.
James Wiseman
The last candidate is a dark horse for sure, but do not underestimate the potential for James Wiseman to have a prolific sophomore season and thrust himself into the discussion if all falls the right way.
Wiseman has much to prove in his second stint with Golden State but doing so would make him one of the most exciting young players in the league. If he is able to fulfill his role as a rim runner who plays meaningful minutes on a top-tier Western Conference team, why couldn’t he be mentioned in the All-Star race?