The 2024 NBA All-Star teams have been announced, and as is the case every year, there were some notable omissions. With only 24 roster spots across the two conferences, deserving players will inevitably miss out.
This year, the Western Conference backcourt spots went to Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Paul George, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker.
The frontcourt featured LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
In the East, the guards selected were Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Trae Toung, and Jalen Brunson.
The frontcourt spots went to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Tatum, Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, Paolo Banchero, Scottie Barnes, and Julius Randle.
While all of those players have strong cases to be All-Stars, there were certainly some tough snubs. Here we look at the top 6 biggest 2024 NBA All-Star snubs.
1. Domantas Sabonis
Despite posting career-highs across the board and helping lead the Sacramento Kings to a playoff spot in the loaded West, Domantas Sabonis shockingly did not make the All-Star team.
Sabonis has been a model of consistency this season, averaging 19.9 points, 13.0 rebounds (1st in NBA), and 8.0 assists per game while shooting 61.6 percent from the field.
He is also currently on pace to average 13+ rebounds and 8+ assists per game, something only Wilt Chamberlain and Russell Westbrook have accomplished previously.
Sabonis has clearly established himself as one of the league’s truly elite big men.
2. De’Aaron Fox
Like his Kings teammate Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox has stepped up his play considerably while helping guide Sacramento to a top-six record out West.
Fox is averaging career-highs across the board, posting 27.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. He has taken his game to another level as a three-point shooter, knocking down 2.4 threes per game at a 38.0 percent clip.
Despite posting comparable numbers to several of the Western Conference backcourt players selected, Fox was left on the outside looking in. With the Kings playing winning basketball, don’t be surprised if he earns his second career All-Star appearance next season.
Read the preview for this years NBA All-Star Game!
3. Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray returned this season from a devastating ACL injury that kept him out for over 20 months. It has taken some time for him to regain his explosiveness and shot-making ability, but he has been playing his best basketball as of late.
Over his last 22 games, Murray is averaging 21.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 48.4% from the field and 43.5% from three. His clutch play has also helped the Denver Nuggets climb to second place in the hotly contested Western Conference.
If he can continue his strong play after the All-Star break, Murray could find himself on one of the 2025 All-Star teams.
4. Pascal Siakam
After being named an All-Star last season, Pascal Siakam has followed up with another career-year, yet was still left off the team.
Siakam has been doing it all for a young, developing Raptors, and now Pacers, squad, averaging 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks.
While it is always difficult to make the All-Star team while playing on a losing squad, Siakam‘s individual brilliance cannot be ignored.
5. Zion Williamson
Despite missing nearly a month of action due to injury, Zion Williamson‘s inspired play has made him one of the league’s best stories and one of its biggest All-Star snubs.
The former number one overall pick is currently averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on an astonishing 61.7 percent shooting from the floor.
Perhaps even more encouraging is that Williamson is playing the most minutes (32.0) and games (44) of his young career while staying relatively healthy.
An undeniable talent who moves the needle and brings fans out of their seats whenever he steps on the floor, the 2024 game would have been better off having Zion as part of the festivities.
6. James Harden
Despite battling injuries early in what has been a trying season, a healthy James Harden has looked much more like the future Hall of Famer fans are accustomed to since the new year.
In 20 games since being acquired by the Clippers, Harden put up 18.7 points, 7.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds on 44.6 percent shooting, 41.3 percent from deep.
However, his impact has gone far beyond his own numbers. Harden’s playmaking and perimeter shooting has helped elevate the Clippers into legitimate contenders out West.
With perennial All-Stars Devin Booker and Paul George struggling with injuries, Harden has a legitimate gripe about being left off the roster.
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/10107617-ranking-the-biggest-snubs-from-final-2024-nba-all-star-rosters
hoopshype.com/lists/biggest-nba-all-star-snubs-2023-24/
www.sbnation.com/nba/2024/2/1/24058640/nba-all-star-snubs-2024-victor-wembanyama-james-harden-gobert
