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With so much talent in the NBA, it’s impossible for every All-Star caliber player to make the All-Star Team. After naming the starters for this year’s game, the league only had another 14 reserve spots to fill, leading to some stiff competition. When all was said and done, some notable names were missing, sending shockwaves throughout the basketball world and disappointing many fans. As the big weekend approaches, now’s a good time to take a look at some of the biggest snubs of the 2022-2023 season.
Devin Booker—Phoenix Suns
When Devin Booker is on the court for the Phoenix Suns, they’re one of the top teams in the league. Last year he led them to the best record in the NBA, leaving fans in awe of his skills. Many were betting on the Suns being a championship contender at the beginning of this season. However, a groin strain has kept Booker off the court since Christmas, and the team has struggled ever since.
With Booker expected to return to action soon, many basketball enthusiasts expect the Suns to regain their momentum. Betting has become a big part of the fan experience, with the All-Star Game and the Playoffs being popular times to place a wager. Many of the biggest sportsbooks on OddsCheckers offer promo codes to new customers, giving them a chance to test the water before risking their own bets. Booker’s return will surely shorten the Suns’ odds.
While there’s no doubt Booker should have been selected for the All-Star team, he’ll have a chance to prove himself in the second half of the season as he seeks to lead the Suns to their first NBA title.
James Harden—Philadelphia 76ers
While James Harden isn’t the player he was when he led the NBA, scoring three years in a row for the Houston Rockets, he has established himself as a true point guard in Philly, dishing out assists and helping his teammate Joel Embiid shine. He has thrived in his role as the floor general. 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 hard to believe that this 10-time All-Star wasn’t selected this year.
Pascal Siakam—Toronto Raptors
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Pascal Siakam’s snubbing is probably attributed to the Raptor’s lackluster play this season. The team is currently out of the play-in tournament, but that shouldn’t be held against the Raptor’s star. Siakam has done everything within his power to give his team a shot at winning. He’s a tireless player and leads the league in minutes played. His other stats are just as impressive. Siakam has averaged 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’ve almost certainly made the All-Star team.
De’Aaron Fox—Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have had an outstanding season, making De’Aaron Fox’s omission from the All-Star lineup puzzling. He has outperformed most of the reserves and deserves a spot on this year’s team. Fox has performed in clutch time, becoming the league’s best scorer when everything’s on the line. He has put up impressive numbers, averaging 24.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. The guard has been one of the best stories in 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—New York Knicks
Since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks last year, Jalen Brunson has shined in his new role. No longer playing in the shadow of Luka Doncic, the guard has put up the best numbers of his career. He 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.