5 superstars who won't make it to the NBA All-Star Game
The starters for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game have already been announced. Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard will represent the Eastern Conference. The West will have LeBron James, who will get his record 20th selection, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Seven reserves for each team will be chosen by the coaches. Two guards, three frontcourt players and two wildcards will comprise the group. With limited slots available, some of the league’s biggest names will unquestionably be left out.
Here are 5 superstars who will sit out the NBA All-Star Game
#5 LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball garnered 29 player votes and over 500K from fans but didn’t get a single one from the media. The Charlotte Hornets point guard is averaging a career-high 24.3 points per game, 8.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. He remains one of the most entertaining players to watch in the NBA.
Ball, however, has just played 21 games this season mainly due to a right ankle sprain. An argument could also be easily made that Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Trae Young, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are more deserving.
LaMelo Ball will not make it to this year’s NBA All-Star Game.
#4 James Harden
James Harden has helped turn the LA Clippers into one of the most dominant teams in the NBA. Following a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, the former MVP has found a home with the Western Conference powerhouse.
Harden is averaging 17.3 points, 8.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He is hitting 45.6% of his shots, including 42.3% from behind the arc. “The Beard” has made coach Ty Lue’s offense more formidable than ever before.
James Harden, though, is unlikely to be selected over two-time MVP Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, De’Aaron Fox and Devin Booker for the NBA All-Star Game. Last year, the former three-time scoring champ made noise after getting snubbed. He may continue to complain but he isn’t going to Indiana to play in the event.