Who got snubbed from the 2023 NBA All-Star Game starting lineup? | Opinion

The 2023 NBA All-Star starters were announced Thursday and LeBron James tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most All-Star selections with 19. This is the Los Angeles Lakers forward’s 18th time being named a starter.

There’s the expected All-Star starters like James, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

2023 NBA ALL-STAR GAME STARTERS: LeBron James earns 19th selection, joined by Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic

But, as always, there are players who have performed well up to this point in the season and were snubbed for the All-Star starting lineup. There’s still a chance to be named to the team as a reserve, but there is an extra weight in the glory of being named a starter.

Here are the snubs from the NBA All-Star starting lineup:

Joel Embiid — Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

In the East, Durant, Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid are all worthy starters. But it was a numbers game. Just three could be voted in as frontcourt starters. It’s not like someone undeserving made it from that group. Embiid just happened to be the one left out.

The Philadelphia 76ers center has been an All-Star in the past five years. This season, he’s the league’s second-leading scorer and is averaging 33.4 points along with 9.8 rebounds a game.

Jaylen Brown — Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

At the guard spot, Kyrie Irving is a fan favorite and got the starting nod, but Boston’s Jaylen Brown is having the better season. He’s averaging 26.9 points per game and 7.1 rebounds compared to the Nets star’s 26.8 points and 5.1 boards per game.

That would’ve been a better choice.

Ja Morant — Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn.

In the West, Memphis’ Ja Morant could’ve easily been a starter in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic, but there’s no problem with Curry. Morant is averaging 27.3 points and eight assists per game.

Morant, who made his first All-Star team last year, will make the team as a reserve.

Story continues

Domantas Sabonis — Sacramento Kings

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams, left, guards Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Randall Benton)

In the frontcourt, you can argue Zion Williamson has not played enough games (just 29) and that Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis should have been named as one of the starters.

Sabonis has started 45 games this season and is leading the league with 12.4 rebounds per game.

Lauri Markkanen — Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) drives around Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

The same case can be made that Lauri Markkanen should’ve been named as one of the starters. The 25-year-old has never been selected to an All-Star game, but has started 46 games so far this season and is averaging 24.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds.

But as long as they make it as reserves … no harm, no foul.

Contributing: Victoria Hernandez

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2023 NBA All-Star Game starter snubs