The 2024 NBA All-Star Game has one of the most elite collections of talent in recent history, with more deserving players left out of the game than ever before. JJ Redick sympathizes with all the players who are finding it increasingly more challenging to make All-Star games with the 12-man roster in each conference despite the league being more talented than ever.
Redick spoke about how important All-Star selections are for the history of the game, players, teams, and fanbases.
“When we think of great players from any era, how many All-Star appearances they have is a determining factor in how they are viewed in the history books. An All-Star appearance is meaningful to a player, it’s a point of validation. It creates value in their playing career and value for their brand and matters when discussing their historical legacy. It’s not just meaningful to a player, it matters to an organization, a fan base, and a city. It matters for the history of the game, but it’s harder than ever for a player to be named an All-Star.”
Redick emphatically said that the All-Star rosters need to be made larger.
“I strongly believe the NBA should expand the All-Star roster size. We’ve expanded the league, we’ve expanded the talent pool. It’s time for a few more guys every year to get that stamp of validation.”
The league has expanded. The talent pool has expanded. @jj_redick says it's time to expand the #NBAAllStar roster size. pic.twitter.com/8Z7HTpuASh
— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) February 2, 2024
This year’s All-Star teams feature incredibly talented players. The Western Conference will see Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic as starters. Off the bench, the West will have Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Eastern Conference will see Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid as the starters. The East Reserves feature Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Julius Randle, Paolo Banchero, and Bam Adebayo,
The West will be captained by LeBron James while Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the captain of the Eastern Conference.
Notable Snubs From The 2024 All-Star Game
The 2024 All-Star Game features a long list of players who had credible arguments for making it into the contest but have been left off. The biggest name is Trae Young, who came second in the fan vote and was averaging 27.0 points and 10.9 assists this season. He’s the only player to average such numbers and fail to make the All-Star game. Other notable snubs in the East were Celtics duo Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White, along with new Indiana Pacer Pascal Siakam.
The West is still the most stacked Conference in the NBA, with a long list of players who had legitimate All-Star cases. The Sacramento Kings’ duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis were both left off the ballot despite their strong individual seasons. Kyrie Irving had some notable performances but hadn’t played enough over the season to warrant an All-Star spot.
Victor Wembanyama is the only player averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds to have not made it to the All-Star game, despite his top-tier rim protection as well. Many are even making a case for Alperen Sengun, who’s having a breakout season with the Rockets.
A slightly expanded roster wouldn’t be the worst thing, especially if it allows the league to recognize more talent. However, it will alter NBA history as future All-Star appearances will be considered diluted by fans because more players make it now than before. The league is also much bigger, so this shouldn’t be a massive problem.
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