Throughout the Washington Wizards’ history, several notable names have competed in the NBA All-Star Weekend. Just last season, three Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Alex Sarr all competed in the NBA Rising Stars Tournament. However, the Wizards have had several participants since the franchise was established in 1961. Now, Wizards forward Kyshawn George is looking to add his name to that list.
Wizards Sophomore Makes Case For NBA All-Star Weekend Debut
George is pleading his case to be selected to a Rising Star Team after missing the cut during his rookie season. The second-year forward is having an impactful season, but does that push him ahead of the other young stars?
George’s Strong Campaign
After a rather average rookie season, George has exploded onto the scene in D.C. He’s improved every aspect of his game and should be considered the steal of the 2024 NBA Draft. So far this season, George is averaging 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 45.9% from the field and 40.5% from three.
The jumps he’s made this season are glaring. He’s second on the team in scoring, leading the team in assists, and third in rebounds per game. His shooting also made a remarkable jump, with both percentages jumping over eight percent. He’s made a strong case to become the team’s third option behind newly acquired Trae Young and Sarr, as well as being their secondary playmaker.
However, are these improvements alone going to get him selected? Comparing him to the rest of the field, does he have a shot at a roster spot?
NBA All-Star Weekend Changes
This season, once again, All-Star Weekend will have yet another format. The NBA Rising Stars Tournament will look slightly different as well. Four teams will be drafted, with one being comprised of G-League standouts. The difference is a round-robin styled tournament, altering the bracket from last season.
George should have no problem making one of the three NBA squads once you dive into the numbers. Before analyzing, it’s important to note that the Rising Stars Tournament is only reserved for rookies and second-year players. Meaning players from the 2023 NBA Draft, like Anthony Black, Gradey Dick, Amen Thompson, and Keyonte George, can’t compete again this year.
George vs. Draftmates
Comparing George to his draft mates who competed last year, he has an edge on the majority of the cast. Sarr, Zach Edey, and Stephon Castle are the only three players who rival or beat George stat-wise. While Castle is arguably still the best player from the draft, Edey hasn’t played since December and will not be able to compete during the festivities. George is outperforming the rest of his class by a wide margin.
He’s averaging a better PRA (points+rebounds+assists) than first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, Matas Buzelis, Jaylen Wells, and every other second-year player who competed in the tourney last season, outside of Sarr, Edey, and Castle. He’s better, and there isn’t a point in trying to deny it. George is one of the most underrated players from the class. He has quietly become a top-ten player out of all the second-year players.
George vs. 2025 Class
Shifting to the rookie class, the scene becomes a little different. Last year, the tournament featured 12 players drafted in the 2023 class, second-year players at the time. However, this season, the rookies are much better than last year. George may have a harder time beating out this class compared to his own.
Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe are all outscoring the sophomore. Derik Queen is quickly becoming one of the best young bigs in the league, and several others could surpass George before selections are made. While he may be able to outshine his own class, it’ll be much harder to get his name in against a class that has been much more box office potential.
However, what George carries over to everyone is his all-around play. He’s not just an elite offensive weapon, but he’s a stellar defensive machine in Washington. He’s dominant on both sides of the floor, and that could propel him to be selected. When asked about why he should be selected in a recent interview on NBA TV, George had this to say:
“I can guard multiple positions at a high level. I can shoot the ball at a very high level, rebound at a high level. And I can create good shots for me and my teammates at a high level.”
The Last Word
Is it enough? The case may be strong, but the league needs box office-worthy material this All-Star Weekend. With that, George needs to be in. He’s an all-around player who can end up winning Most Improved Player this season. However, without major names in the show, the NBA could again be a laughing stock after all-star weekend is over.
Featured Image: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images