The first ever NBA All-Star game was played on March 2, 1951. Since that time, 454 players have played in that game. Thousands of other NBA players have never played in the game.

In today's episode of Once Upon A Dribble, Josh and Calvan go over four of the most baffling All-Star game snubs. Players who had great careers, but for one reason or another, never received the Star call.

We dive deep into the live and times of some of the finest players in the game, who never had their greatness properly recognized.

The Thunder were the Warriors before the Warriors. Well, except for the titles.

Young, homegrown talent emerges as a dominant force in the league, consistently vying for the NBA championship. This straightforward strategy, exemplified by the successes of Oklahoma City and Golden State in the 2010s, is seldom as effective as they made it appear.

However, the OKC's inability to clinch an NBA championship is integral to their story, just like their enduring success. Equally integral is the element of excitement. Few teams have engaged in as many thrilling matches with iconic players, all within the passionate embrace of one of the league's most fervent fan bases.

Whether victorious or defeated, the Thunder's inaugural decade in the NBA was an exhilarating ride. Here at Once Upon a Dribble, Calvan and Josh bring on OKC superfan Prhymate as we recount the standout moments, beginning with the team that defined the decade.

Check out Prhymate's YouTube basketball content here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Prhymate777

It’s easy to look back now and wonder how Oden ever could have been selected ahead of a superstar like Kevin Durant. After all, KD had averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds a game as a lanky freshman at Texas, leading the Big 12 in both categories, as well as blocks.

Durant was a sure thing, like Michael Jordan was in the 1984 draft … so why draft Sam Bowie?

Because Greg Oden was never supposed to be Sam Bowie. Oden was Hakeem Olajuwon.

That narrative, that four-letter word, haunted him for a long time. It hurt to hear. It hurt to explain. But that word doesn’t capture the spirit of his struggle, his journey, his resilience, his joy, and, most importantly, where his path has taken him today

Article by Mirin Fader quoted: Greg Oden's Long Walk Home

Music: Signal to Noise by Scott Buckley, all credit to him.