The NBA announced the starters for the 2024 NBA All-Star game on Thursday. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was the highlight of the selection.
The starters were selected by a panel that included fans, current players, and the media. Fans had 50 percent of the vote, and players and the media had 25 percent each. James, who’s in his 21st season, has now been named to 20 All-Star games. He’s the first player in NBA history to be named to 20 All-Star games, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most All-Star nods, according to ESPN.
In addition to James the other starters for the Western Conference are Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Eastern Conference starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
So who got snubbed from being named a starter for the All-Star game?
Steph Curry: Curry had been named a starter in his previous nine All-Star games. The only time he wasn’t voted into the game was the 2009-10 season when he was out due to a hand injury. This season he’s averaging 26.7 points, 5.0 assists, a league-leading 4.5 threes, and is shooting 40.1 percent from the field. It would be weird if Curry wasn’t part of the All-Star game.
Jalen Brunson: Brunson is one of the best guards in the league. He is the leader of the New York Knicks. This season he is averaging 26.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.8 threes, and has had four 40-plus points games. He deserves to be an All-Star.
Kawhi Leonard: Leonard is averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 threes, and 1.7 steals. He’s shooting 55.5 percent on two-pointers and 44.3 percent from the field. He has only missed four games and he has gotten better on defense.
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Anthony Davis: Davis is averaging 25.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals. He has been consistent on offense and defense. If it weren’t for LeBron, then he probably would be an All-Star. He should be a part of the game.
Reserves for the All-Star game will be announced on February 1.The All-Star game will have the traditional East versus West format and will be held on February 18.