Who are the biggest NBA stars not starting in the 2023 All-Star game?
The NBA All-Star game has been tradition to the NBA for as far back as we can remember. The best players in the competition all coke together to go up against each other, forming a number of mouthwatering team ups as well as contests that excite the NBA enthusiast more than anything.
However, just as the NBA All-Star game pits the best of the best against each other, there are bound to be a few snubs every season considering the immense and ever growing amount of talent in the competition. Similarly, there are quite a list of massive NBA superstars missing out on a starting spot in the All-Star game this year – all of whom we will be discussing as follows.
Some of the biggest NBA stars have been named as reserves for the All-Star game this season, which has certainly raised an eyebrow or two.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers):
The Philadelphia 76ers center has been an All-Star in the past five years. This season, he’s the league’s second-leading scorer and is averaging 33.4 points along with 9.8 rebounds a game. However, Embiid has been named only as a reserve much to the disappointment of many fans.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics):
At the guard spot, Kyrie Irving is a fan favorite, but Boston’s Jaylen Brown is undoubtedly having the better season. He’s averaging 26.9 points per game and 7.1 rebounds compared to the Nets star’s 26.8 points and 5.1 boards per game – but not enough to make the starting lineup.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies):
In the West, Ja Morant could’ve easily been a starter in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic, but last year’s All-Star MVP Stephen Curry got the nod. Morant is averaging 27.3 points and eight assists per game. Morant, who made his first All-Star team last year, will make the team as a reserve.
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings):
In the frontcourt, perhaps Zion Williamson has not played enough games (just 29) and that Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis should have been named as one of the starters. Sabonis has started 45 games this season and is leading the league with 12.4 rebounds per game.
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz):
The same case can be made that Lauri Markkanen should’ve been named as one of the starters. The 25-year-old has never been selected to an All-Star game, but has started 46 games so far this season and is averaging 24.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds.
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