Top 5 players who were snubbed from the 2023 All-Star starters featuring Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and more

The NBA just announced this year’s All-Star starters, with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo named as captains. 50% of the voting was done by fans, while players and the media contributed 25% each.

Naturally, there are names who some fans feel have unfortunately been left out. Each of the starting five has three frontcourt players and two guards in the lineup. Dislodging one or two of them for another player will undoubtedly start a heated debate.

Which player was the biggest snub from the 2023 All-Star starters?

Anthony Davis
Ja Morant
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Joel Embiid
Someone else https://t.co/VNd5Uzs0N6

Here are five players who could have been named starters, but weren't:

#1 Anthony Davis, LA Lakers, frontcourt

Anthony Davis will not take the place of LeBron James and Nikola Jokic as All-Star starters. The two are untouchable, given their numbers and impact this season.

AD, though, could challenge Zion Williamson’s spot in the lineup. They have nearly identical numbers, including games played.

Both have been superb when they’re available this season and have made their teams more formidable when they’re around. Davis had one stretch where he was arguably the best player in the NBA.

“Zion leapfrogged Anthony Davis”

@TermineRadio & @JumpShot8 agree with Zion being chosen as an All-Star starter. https://t.co/iD4BBqhOv4

Unfortunately for him, a foot injury got in the way. Anthony Davis has just returned to action after missing close to six weeks.

#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder, guard

Charles Barkley passionately argued that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be one of the All-Star starters. He isn’t the only one who thought the OKC Thunder guard should have made the lineup.

If he were to join the team, he would have to replace, almost shockingly, Steph Curry. “SGA” has played more games and is averaging 30.8 PPG on 51.1% shooting, figures which are all better than Curry’s.

Charles Barkley on SGA:

"If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not starting in the All-Star game, we are not going to let the public vote again. He should be starting at the 2 spot in the Western Conference, easily. "

https://t.co/f7MKIfbtXe

OKC is just one game behind the defending NBA champs in the Western Conference standings. The Thunder own a 23-25 win-loss slate, while the Warriors are 24-24.