The biggest 2024 NBA All-Star snubs
Just like any other season recently, especially with the NBA as talented as it is today, there was a long list of players who made a deserving case to be named All-Stars.
Last season, some of the biggest All-Star snubs were Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler and James Harden. In particular, Butler made that snub look bad by season’s end after leading the Miami Heat to the Finals and achieving 2nd Team All-NBA honors.
This season again saw many talented players miss out on All-Star recognition for various reasons. Here, we present a list of the biggest All-Star snubs for the 2023-24 season. This list might make for interesting reflection after the season concludes, particularly after the playoffs and Finals.
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento)
Ranking Top 10 in both BPM and VORP for 2023-24, Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis was snubbed from All-Star honors despite achieving the distinction last season. Perhaps that’s in part due to Sacramento being so mediocre on defense this year but more likely, the West is just so loaded with elite frontcourt players that Sabonis got somewhat cast aside in this process. Still, this is a pretty bad snub considering the former Gonzaga standout is averaging nearly 20 points and leading the league with over 13 rebounds per game while shooting over 61 percent from the floor.
For a list of Domantas Sabonis’ other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento)
Despite having the Kings sitting Top 5 in the Western Conference standings, De’Aaron Fox was snubbed from All-Star status this season after making it for the first time last year. It’s a difficult moment for Fox as he’s been fantastic this campaign, averaging over 27 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal while performing like the best player on a solid playoff team in Sacramento. The West is just so loaded with elite guard play but even then, Fox is one of the best the conference has to offer, making this snub a tough one.
For a list of De’Aaron Fox’s other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
Trae Young (Atlanta)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young had a stronger case to be considered an All-Star snub last year because this season it can be explained by the Hawks’ abysmal record (they are 20-27 heading into Wednesday night). That’s despite the team heading into the campaign with some expectations after having a full offseason with head coach Quin Snyder. Plus, Young’s foul-drawing style of play has elicited ire from some fans, leading to a decline in popularity for the star guard over recent years. Still, statistically, Young is an All-Star snub as he’s putting up 27 points and nearly 11 assists per contest, top marks league-wide in both categories.
For a list of Trae Young’s other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
Alperen Sengun (Houston)
A Jokic Lite who has exceeded expectations this season, Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun was unfortunately left out of All-Star festivities despite ranking Top 15 in VORP and BPM while averaging nearly 22 points per game along with just over nine rebounds and five assists. Sengun is putting up those numbers on a Rockets team fighting for a Play-In Tournament berth, which might be why he was ultimately snubbed. If Houston had a stronger record, Sengun probably gets in based on his numbers. Regardless, Sengun is a big-time All-Star snub.
For a list of Alperen Sengun’s other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
James Harden (LA Clippers)
After a bit of an acclimation period with the Clippers, James Harden has performed at a very high level, looking like an All-Star even despite his having to sacrifice some scoring touches. Harden is putting up strong numbers on the year – roughly 17 points, five rebounds, eight assists and over a nightly steal – while Los Angeles is 13-3 in its last 16 games. However, that was still not enough for Harden, who got snubbed from what would have been the 11th All-Star appearance of his career.
For a list of James Harden’s other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
Rudy Gobert (Minnesota)
Arguably the second-most important player on what has been the best team in the West this season, Minnesota center Rudy Gobert was a noteworthy All-Star snub this season, missing out on the festivities despite averaging north of 13 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per night. Without Gobert, it’s difficult to envision the Timberwolves sitting where they are now – at 34-14, the best record in the West – making the French big man a bit of a snub even if his scoring numbers aren’t as impressive as his counterparts on this list.
For a list of Rudy Gobert’s other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago)
On one hand, it’s easy to view DeMar DeRozan as an All-Star snub this season based on his impressive numbers: 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and one steal per game. On the other, his Chicago Bulls are 23-26 and clinging onto Play-In Tournament position. So although DeRozan is indeed an All-Star snub, it’s not a historically egregious case, either.
For a list of DeMar DeRozan’s other accolades and a scouting report, click here.
