The NBA announced its All-Star reserves for both conferences on Thursday. The East reserves are Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Jaylen Brown (Celtics) Pascal Siakam (Pacers), Damian Lillard (Bucks), Tyler Herro (Heat), Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley (Cavaliers). They join the starting lineup that was previously announced consisting of New York’s Jalen Brunson, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
Out West, the coaches selected Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), James Harden (Clippers), Anthony Davis (Lakers), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies), Alperen Sengun (Houston), and Jalen Williams (Thunder) as the reserves. Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City’s Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Los Angeles’ LeBron James, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic’s is the Western Conference starting lineup.
With only 24 spots to hand out, several great players had to be left off the list. Who was the biggest snub of the bunch? Here are the candidates for the biggest All-Star snubs in 2025:
LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
Stats: 28.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 41.9 FG%, 33.7 3PT%
The NBA All-Star Game is an exhibition to showcase the league’s brightest stars. Leaving one of the biggest fan favorites off the roster entirely was understandably met with massive disapproval across social media. LaMelo Ball wasn’t named a starter despite receiving the most fan votes among all East guards. And, the coaches decided not to reward a player who ranks fourth in scoring and ninth in assists. Charlotte’s crummy record (12-32) likely played a role here. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham and Miami’s Tyler Herro playing for teams hovering around .500 earned them the nod over Ball.
Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
Stats: 22.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 11.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 40.0 FG%, 34.0 3PT%
Trae Young being left off the All-Star roster is becoming a yearly routine. This is the third year in a row he wasn’t part of the initial selection (he was an injury replacement for Joel Embiid last season). Young’s scoring numbers are down this year, but he leads the league in assists and ranks first among guards in doubles-doubles (28). The Hawks aren’t horrible, but they’re currently riding a seven-game losing streak. Young leads the league in turnovers and has always been a dreadful defender.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Stats: 27.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 43.8 FG%, 33.7 3PT%
Maxey’s exclusion was a bit surprising. His counting numbers are strong, and he’s been more efficient than some of the other guards in the East. Philadephia’s standing certainly played a part, but that can’t solely be put on Maxey. In fact, it’s fair to say Joel Embiid being hurt this year is the sole reason for Maxey missing the cut. The No. 1 seed Cavaliers are sending three players to the All-Star game. If Embiid were healthy, the 76ers would likely be a top-5 seed — at worst. In that case, Maxey’s numbers for a good East team would be enough for him to earn a nod.
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
Stats: 20.9 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 61.0 FG%, 48.1 3PT
Looking at the numbers, Sabonis certainly earned a spot on the Western Conference All-Star roster. He leads the league in rebounding, ranks 14th in assists, and still manages to pour in 20 points nightly. Sabonis has recorded 42 double-doubles in 44 games this year and also has eight triple-doubles. The Kings’ slow start definitely played a part in their players not getting much recognition. Sabonis’ spot likely went to Alperen Sengun — the lone All-Star from the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets. That’s despite Sengun averaging fewer points, rebounds, and assists and being less efficient from every area on the floor than Sabonis.
Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 48.2 FG%, 41.9 3PT%
Irving is no stranger to the All-Star game. He’s made the team eight times in his career but is still waiting for his first selection since joining the Mavericks. It seemed like this could be the year. Irving has been excellent this season and has helped keep the Mavericks afloat while star Luka Doncic has dealt with injuries. His case is similar to LA’s James Harden, who has been equally as effective for a Clippers team that has been without Kawhi Leonard for most of the year. However, the Clippers are two spots ahead of the Mavericks in the standings, which ultimately could have played a role in Harden getting the nod.
Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers)
Stats: 24.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 49.4 FG%, 43.5 3PT%
It’s not too often you see a player gaining All-Star hype for the first time in his career during an age-31 season. Powell is in Year 10, and had a strong case to earn his first All-Star selection. He’s excelled in a bigger role for a Clippers team that has smashed expectations. Powell ranks 19th in scoring, but it’s his efficiency that has truly stood out. He’s the only player in the league who ranks in the top 10 in both three-point percentage and threes made per game. If you take names out of the equation, Powell’s season is on par with All-Star starter Stephen Curry — who is scoring less than Powell (22.3 PPG) and less efficiently (44.2 FG%, 40.5 3PT%).
