The 2024 NBA All-Star selections left some standout players off the roster, leading to the creation of the All-Snub Team. Despite impressive performances, a few players, including De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, were notably absent from the list.
Fox and Sabonis: Unjust Omissions from the All-Star Lineup
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, key players for the Sacramento Kings with a notable fifth-best record in the Western Conference at 27-19, found themselves excluded from the All-Star selections. Fox, showcasing one of his best seasons, averages an impressive 27.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Sabonis boasts historic numbers, leading the league with 13 rebounds and contributing 19.9 points and 8.0 assists per game. Despite these stellar performances, the West coaches opted not to include either Kings player, raising questions about the selection process.
Kings coach Mike Brown expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s clear to anyone who watches the NBA and Kings basketball that De’Aaron and Domantas should have been selected for this year’s All-Star game.”
The All-Snub Team: Recognizing the Overlooked Talents
In light of the exclusions, Andscape presents the annual NBA All-Snub Team, recognizing the most deserving players who narrowly missed the cut. Here’s a look at some standout names:
- Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): Despite being a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Gobert’s defensive prowess did not secure him a spot. With impressive rebounding (12.4 per game) and shot-blocking (2.1 per game), Gobert’s absence raises questions about the emphasis on offensive contributions.
- Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans): Ingram, the second-leading scorer for the Pelicans with 21.5 points per game, played a crucial role in leading the team to the seventh-best record in the West. His contributions, especially in Zion Williamson’s absence, make his omission surprising.
- Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz): Averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, Markkanen’s impressive stats failed to secure an All-Star nod for the second consecutive season. The Jazz’s position on the fringe of the play-in tournament likely influenced the decision.
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets): Despite being part of the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets, Murray missed out on the All-Star selection due to availability issues, having missed 14 games this season.
- Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics): Joining the Boston Celtics this season, Porzingis rejuvenated his career with averages of 19.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. Despite the Celtics deserving three All-Stars, Porzingis was left off the list.
- Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets): The Houston Rockets’ center, in his third year, emerged as a potential candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. However, the team’s losing record likely impacted his All-Star chances.
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): The top pick in the 2023 NBA draft has lived up to the hype, averaging a double-double (20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds) and leading the league in blocks per game (3.2). Unfortunately, the Spurs’ subpar record hindered his All-Star candidacy.
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks): Despite ranking 10th in points (27.0) and second in assists (10.9) per game, Young’s contributions were not enough to secure an All-Star spot, likely impacted by the Hawks’ disappointing 20-27 record.
The All-Snub Team reflects the depth of talent in the NBA, showcasing players who, despite outstanding performances, were overlooked in the All-Star selection process. As the league gears up for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis, these players continue to prove their worth on the court.
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By- Sahiba Suri