Top five snubs in NBA All-Star 2023
The National Basketball Association (NBA) league features so many talented players that not all of them can make their way into the All-Star Weekend. After the announcement of starters for the 2022-2023 seasons, the league only had 14 reserve spots left, resulting in fierce competition among the players.
As a result, some significant names were missing from the All-Star team, causing shockwaves in the basketball world and disappointing many fans. As the big weekend approaches, it’s an opportune moment to highlight some of the most significant snubs of the season.
Devin Booker
One such snub is Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. When Booker is on the court, the Suns are among the top teams in the league. He led them to the best record in the NBA last year, leaving fans in awe of his skills.
However, Booker has been out of action since Christmas due to a groin strain, and the team has struggled since then. Nonetheless, many experts believe that Booker’s return would help Suns regain their momentum. His return will likely shorten the Suns’ odds, and with his skills, there’s no doubt that Booker should have been selected for the All-Star team.
He might get a chance to prove his metal in the second half of the season, as he aims to lead his side to the first NBA title.
James Harden
Another notable snub is James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers. Although he isn’t the player he was when he led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive years for the Houston Rockets, he has established himself as a true point guard in Philly, assisting and helping Joel Embiid shine.
He has thrived in his role as the floor general, and the 76ers now have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-best in the league. Given how he’s brought the team together, it’s surprising that this 10-time All-Star wasn’t selected this year.
Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors was also snubbed, which is probably attributed to the Raptors’ lackluster play this season. The team is currently out of the play-in tournament, but that shouldn’t be held against Siakam, who has done everything within his power to give his team a chance at winning. He’s a tireless player who leads the league in minutes played and has impressive stats, averaging 24.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Siakam has carried his team the entire season, and if the Raptors were having a better season, he would have almost certainly made the All-Star team.
De’Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is another snub. The Kings have had an outstanding season, and it’s puzzling that Fox wasn’t selected for the All-Star lineup, considering he has outperformed most of the reserves. He’s performed well in clutch time, becoming the league’s best scorer when everything’s on the line. He has amasses impressive numbers, averaging 24.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Fox has been the highlight of the NBA this year and has paired nicely with his All-Star teammate Sabonis on the pick-and-roll to lead the Kings to the third-best record in the West.
Jalen Brunson
Lastly, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks was also snubbed. Since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks last year, Brunson has shined in his new role. He’s put up the best numbers of his career, has a high basketball IQ, and understands the game better than most on the court, giving the Knicks a much-needed boost. It’s hard to understand why Brunson wasn’t rewarded with a spot on the All-Star team this year.
