The 2024 NBA All-Star Game reserves have been revealed, finalizing the rosters for both the Western Conference and Eastern Conference All-Stars.
(Photo : Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Trae Young (#11) of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Alperen Sengun (#28) of the Houston Rockets during the second half at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Players such as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns are among those included, given their outstanding performances throughout the season. Their inclusion is almost automatic, considering their stellar campaigns.
The 73rd NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers, located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Despite the notable star power involved, some deserving players have been omitted, missing the chance to participate in the annual exhibition game.
3 biggest snubs of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game
Honorable mention: Alperen Sengun
The Turkish center for the Rockets has emerged as one of the league’s most improved players and rising stars, but he missed out on a spot in the exhibition game.
Sengun has been delivering impressive performances, boasting averages of 21.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, with a shooting efficiency of 54.1 percent from the field across 47 games.
1. Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz center has been overlooked for a possible second consecutive All-Star appearance despite posting impressive numbers of 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
The 7-foot Finnish player’s contributions go beyond the stat sheet, with numerous intangibles on the court that may not be reflected in the statistical metrics.
2. Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis is having an exceptional season, nearly achieving triple-double averages of 19.9 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.
The Lithuanian-American’s shooting percentages are also stellar, standing at 61.6 percent from the field and 45.1 percent from three-point range, while appearing in all 46 games played by the Kings.
Sabonis leads the league in double-doubles and ranks second in triple-doubles. Additionally, he tops the charts in rebounds and sits in the sixth position in assists.
Adding to his success, the Kings have performed well, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a commendable 27-19 record.
3. Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young did not receive enough votes to secure a spot on the All-Star reserve team despite his outstanding averages of 27.0 points, 10.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 42 contests.
Remarkably, the 6-foot-1 point guard ranks tenth in the league in scoring, second in assists, and eighth in steals. Additionally, he garnered the second-highest number of fan votes among Eastern Conference guards who were not selected as starters for the All-Star Game.
Should Young fail to secure a spot as an injury reserve, it would be the second time that a player in NBA history who averaged 25 points per game, 10 assists per game, and a True Shooting percentage of 55% or higher not make the All-Star Game. The first player to achieve this feat was also him last season.