The 2024 NBA All-Star candidates have been announced, but the players who narrowly missed out on the spot will be left with a painful feeling.
With that in mind, here are the nine biggest snubs of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. I feel sorry for Jamal Murray, but he’ll have to settle for 10th place.
9. Victor Wenbanyama, C. san antonio spurs: The last rookie All-Star in the NBA was Blake Griffin in 2010, and despite Wenbanyama’s standout first half, that streak will continue for one more year. Wenby is unstoppable at the rim on both ends of the floor, already leading the NBA in blocks at age 20, and dunking on everything in sight. He needs to cut down on some outside shots, continue to play at the rim more, and needs a true point guard to set him up. Either way, as long as he stays healthy, it’s unlikely he will miss the All-Star Game again.
8. Derrick White, G. boston celtics: White has blossomed into not only the ultimate backcourt glue, but an under-the-radar two-way star. The Celtics guard has reached a new level, improving his scoring ability while maintaining his excellent defense. White is scoring a career high in points (15.8 points per game), is shooting 40 percent from three for the first time in his career, and is also a lockdown defender at the point of attack. Is White doing so well because the Celtics are so good, or are the Celtics doing so well because White is playing like another All-Star? Either way, he’s been this season. ‘s rapid growth is a great story.
7. Trae Young, G. atlanta hawks: The Hawks are on the verge of collapse, but Young is having another great season as a catalyst for the offense. The 25-year-old guard ranks 10th in the league in scoring (27 points per game) and second in assists (10.9 points per game). His 3-point shooting has improved this year (36.8 percent) and he continues to make free throws at a high rate. The Hawks will need to make a trade or two to change things, but they shouldn’t give up on Young as their franchise player just yet.
6. Kristaps Porzingis, C, Boston Celtics: Porzingis’ knockdown shots from the five made the Celtics more dangerous than ever. He gave the team an additional element of spacing they didn’t have before, while also providing great rim protection inside. Porzingis has come into his own as a pick-and-pop threat, making about 36 percent of his threes so far this year. He also enjoys wide-open dunks in the lane while defenders rush to cover one of Boston’s many other weapons. The decision to trade Marcus Smart for the 7-foot-4 Latvian big man now looks like a masterstroke.
5. Domantas Sabonis, F, Sacramento Kings: Sabonis continues to be one of the league’s best interior scorers and rebounders. He’s an absolute monster on the glass who always creates extra possessions for Sacramento. On offense, Sabonis can punish you in the post game or be the focal point of the offense in handoffs with De’Aaron Fox. His presence supports the Kings’ run.
4. James Harden, G, Los Angeles Clippers: After a tough start in the first few games, Harden, brought in from Philadelphia in a trade, has been impressive for the Clippers. The Clippers have been attacking every team for two full months now, and Harden’s advanced playmaking and knockdown shooting are a big reason why. Harden’s per-game numbers have dropped a bit, but he’s back to being an elite shooter (41.3 percent from three) and has finished much better at the rim this year. He’s been everything the Clippers wanted so far.
3. Scotty Burns, F. toronto raptors: The Raptors completely handed over the team to Barnes this year, and while they didn’t win, there was definitely development. The 21-year-old has developed into one of the most versatile forwards in the game in his third season, showing an improved 3-point stroke, great vision as a passer and a willingness to hit the glass. Barnes’ offensive development masks the fact that he may be even better on defense, which has been more of a deterrent at the rim this season. The decision to trade Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby puts the future of the franchise squarely in Varnreth’s hands, and Toronto should be counting on that decision for now.
2. Rudy Gobert, C. minnesota timberwolves: Gobert was considered a punchline a year ago after a disappointing season after the Timberwolves acquired him in a trade for five first-round picks. Gobert has been healthy this season and his impact on Minnesota is undeniable. The Wolves boast the No. 1 defense in the NBA thanks in large part to Gobert’s elite rim protection and rebounding. It’s not just the shots he blocks, but the shots he never takes for fear of getting hit. The playoffs will be the ultimate referendum on whether the Timberwolves are a real team, and this is exactly the kind of impact they were hoping for when they made the bold trade for Gobert.
1. De’Aaron Fox, G, Sacramento Kings: The Foxes had a great year this year, but unfortunately they were shut out by the deep field in the West. The 26-year-old guard has blossomed as a shooter, averaging his career-high in points (27.2 points per game). Once a weak point in his skill set, Fox is now a prolific and accurate shooter, making 38 percent of his eight attempts per game from behind the arc. He’s still one of the fastest players in the league with the ball in his hands. If players like Fox are missing out on All-Star eligibility, the league may really need to expand rosters to 15 players per conference.
