Kansas basketball: Devonte’ Graham continues to show he’s an all-star
Kansas basketball alum Devonte’ Graham is continuing to show that he’s worthy of an all-star selection.
Last night when Devonte’ Graham’s Charlotte Hornets took on the Brooklyn Nets, Graham put on an incredible performance. He scored a career-high 40 points including seven three-pointers on 57% from the field, leading the Hornets to a 108 to 113 win. Kansas basketball fans knew Graham was special, and now he’s proving it to the NBA.
The 24-year-old Graham is averaging 19.2 points and 7.7 assists per game this season, despite only recently cracking the starting lineup. Those stats are a far cry from last season, where he only averaged 4.7 points and 2.6 assists per game. Without a doubt, Graham has to be in the conversation for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
Not only that, but Graham could make an all-star appearance in just his second season.
He’s second in the league in three-pointers made behind James Harden who leads Graham 117 to 103. Graham is also fourth in the league in assists, with only LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Trae Young ahead of him.
Keep in mind, Graham has only started 16 out of 27 games this season, and he’ll likely start as the team’s point guard for the rest of the season.
While Graham’s average of 20 points per game may seem low, it’s just as good as other point guards who’ve made the all-star team recently.
Kyle Lowry was selected as an all-star last season while only averaging 14.2 points and 8.8 assists per game. Before his injury last season, Victor Oladipo was averaging 18.8 points per game and 5.2 assists per game, and he made the all-star game as well.
Graham has the statistics to back up his all-star selection, and hopefully, the fans, media, and coaches see that. At the very least, Graham has to be a candidate for the three-point contest. He’s been shooting 43% from deep, and as mentioned, almost leads the league in made three-pointers.
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Kansas basketball fans love Devonte’ Graham, and Graham gives that love right back. He still regularly attends games at Allen Fieldhouse, as just last week he was in the building to watch Kansas play #20 Colorado.
Graham deserves to be an all-star this year, but even if he doesn’t make the cut, he’s certainly exceeded all expectations and set himself up to have success for years to come.