The NBA All-Star selections this season have delivered drama in terms of the list of reserves. While the league’s best and brightest will take the floor for the 2025 All-Star Game, not everyone who deserved a spot heard their name called on Thursday night.
LaMelo Ball, one of the most electric playmakers in the game, was shockingly left off the list. He’s not alone. Some major players in the game this season were not chosen for reasons including team record, popularity, or potential bias.
So who are the biggest All-Star snubs this year? Let’s dive into the names that should be packing their bags for the big game—but won’t be. While we understand that every player can’t make the All-Star Team, these snubs will have a major argument behind them for appearing in San Francisco.
LaMelo Ball
2024-25 Season Statistics: 28.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
LaMelo Ball is putting up video-game numbers this season, averaging a scorching 28.2 points per game—good for fourth in the league in scoring—while dishing out over seven assists a night. He’s the definition of must-see TV, dazzling with deep pull-up threes, flashy dimes, and an undeniable swagger that makes him one of the most electrifying guards in the NBA. The fact that he’s not heading to the All-Star Game is flat-out ridiculous.
So why didn’t he make it? The Hornets’ ugly 12-32 record likely sealed his fate, but let’s be real—this is an individual showcase. If Damian Lillard, who’s having a worse statistical season, gets the nod on a better team, why is LaMelo left out? If we’re rewarding the best players, Ball deserved a spot, period.
Kyrie Irving
2024-25 Season Statistics: 24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
With Luka Doncic missing a massive chunk of the season, Kyrie Irving has taken on the responsibility of keeping the Mavericks afloat—and he’s delivered. The eight-time All-Star is averaging 24.2 points per game while keeping Dallas firmly in the playoff race at 26-22, despite a roster ravaged by injuries.
Irving’s ability to create his own shot, take over in crunch time, and orchestrate the offense has been essential to the Mavs’ survival. Yet, somehow, he’s watching from the sidelines this All-Star break. If this was about impact, Kyrie has a strong argument to meet the criteria.
Trae Young
2024-25 Season Statistics: 22.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 11.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG
What more does Trae Young have to do to get some respect? The Hawks’ floor general is leading the entire NBA in assists at 11.4 per game while still averaging over 22 points a night. If setting up your teammates, orchestrating an offense, and keeping your team in the playoff race isn’t All-Star-worthy, what is?
This isn’t the first time Young has been snubbed, but it might be the most frustrating. He’s been overlooked year after year despite his offensive brilliance. It has even led the point guard to coin the term “Trae’d” for being snubbed every year. If Young played for a bigger market or a top-seeded team, there’s no question he’d be on the roster.
Norman Powell
2024-25 Season Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
It is interesting that the Clippers’ leading scorer did not make the All-Star team, although his teammate James Harden did. Norman Powell has stepped up in every way possible this season, averaging 24.0 points per game while keeping the Clippers in the playoff hunt without Kawhi Leonard.
He’s been the lifeline for this squad, shouldering the scoring load and delivering night after night. Powell’s absence from the roster might be one of the most glaring snubs. If the Clippers’ 27-20 record was good enough to get Harden in, Powell might have had a slightly better shot.
Domantas Sabonis
2024-25 Season Statistics: 20.9 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
If we are looking at numbers, there is no justification for Domantas Sabonis missing this All-Star Game. The man is leading the NBA in rebounds at 14.5 per game, while also putting up 20.9 points and 6.6 assists—numbers that scream dominance. He’s the engine of the Kings’ offense, operating as a playmaking big who makes everything flow.
If Sabonis’ numbers weren’t enough, just look at his impact. The Kings are fighting for a playoff spot in the brutal West, and they wouldn’t even be in contention without him. It is obvious that the Kings’ poor performances have hurt Sabonis’ All-Star chances but the big man is still considered a snub.
Tyrese Maxey
2024-25 Season Statistics: 27.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Tyrese Maxey’s snub might feel brutal to him because he’s been doing everything for a depleted 76ers squad. With Joel Embiid and Paul George missing most of the season, Maxey has been thrust into a No. 1 role and responded with a career-best 27.1 points per game.
He’s playing his heart out every night, trying to carry a 19-27 team that would be completely irrelevant without him. If we’re punishing Maxey for Philly’s record, that logic is still a bit harsh. The All-Star Game is about honoring individual excellence, and few players have stepped up in a more difficult situation than Maxey.
Jalen Green
2024-25 Season Statistics: 21.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jalen Green might be the most underrated name on this list, but he deserved consideration. The Rockets are second in the West, and while Alperen Sengun got his well-earned All-Star nod, Green has been a massive reason for Houston’s rise. His 21.3 points per game and ability to take over in big moments make him a key piece of this surging team.
Green is one of the league’s best young scorers, and his exclusion shows how slow the league can be to recognize emerging stars sometimes. If Houston continues winning, expect Green to get a lot more respect in next year’s conversation.
Jarrett Allen
2024-25 Season Statistics: 13.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG
The Cavaliers are sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference, and three of their players—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley—made the All-Star team. So why wasn’t Jarrett Allen the fourth? Perhaps because his scoring numbers aren’t great.
Still, he’s been just as vital to Cleveland’s dominance, serving as their defensive anchor and putting up a reliable 13.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Allen’s defensive presence alone should have put him in the mix. The Cavs have built their success on elite defense, and Allen is a huge reason why.
De’Aaron Fox
2024-25 Season Statistics: 25.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
It’s hard to imagine De’Aaron Fox missing the All-Star team when he’s putting up 25.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, but here we are. He’s been one of the best point guards in the league, yet he’s been left out in the cold. The Kings’ underwhelming record played a role, but let’s not ignore the elephant in the room.
Fox’s rumored desire to leave Sacramento could have influenced the coaches’ votes. Whether fair or not, off-court uncertainty sometimes impacts selections, and this may have been the case here. With Domantas Sabonis also snubbed, it’s clear that the Kings’ struggles this season took a toll on their All-Star chances.
Devin Booker
2024-25 Season Statistics: 25.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker is right at the top of the list when it comes to snubs who are putting up strong numbers across the board. He’s putting up 25.5 points and a career-high 6.7 assists per game, despite playing on a Suns team that has been in constant flux.
So why was he left off? Probably because the Suns have failed to meet expectations. With Kevin Durant voted in as a starter, Booker was likely overlooked in favor of players from more successful teams. But make no mistake—Booker is playing at an All-Star level.
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