NBA, NBA All-Star Weekend, Sacramento Kings

Trae, LaMelo, and the 7 Biggest Snubs for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

Every year, some of the NBA’s best players put up huge numbers, carry their teams, and still don’t make the All-Star cut. Blame it on fan voting, team records, the coaches, or just plain bad timing —some really good players are always going to get left out.

While roster spots are limited and the league is filled with talent, it doesn’t always come down to statistical evidence. If you’re on the cusp and want to make the all-star team, your team has to win. That’s how the Cleveland Cavs have Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and Darius Garland representing the Eastern leading Cavs. That’s hot Jalen Williams made the Western All-Star squad this year.  That’s how the 2015 Hawks, 2011 Celtics and 2017-18 Warriors had four players from the same team make the all-star roster in one year.

The Biggest NBA All-Star Snubs

For most players, it’s just another year of not being recognized. For other players, it’s a long weekend in Cancun and an excuse to sip cocktails on a beach instead of pretending to play defense in an exhibition game. Whether they’re kicking back at home, roasting the selections on Twitter, or courtside at Chase Center pretending not to care, these seven players definitely got snubbed. Here’s who should could have been packing their bags for All-Star Weekend but instead will have some unexpected free time.

1. Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young is our biggest snub. A month ago, he was all but a lock we would have used our sweepstakes no-deposit bonuses to be on our favorite gaming platform that Trae would be in San Francisco amongst his elite peers.

It’s tough, he has put up numbers that would have guaranteed him a spot in other years, yet he finds himself on the outside looking in. And again it’s due to his team simply not winning enough.

Despite Atlanta’s inconsistent season, Young remains one of the most impactful offensive players. It’s not due to Young though as the star guard is averaging 27.3 points and leading the league in assists, ranking among the top scorers and is the top facilitator in the league.

Young’s omission is even more surprising given his ability to create shots for both himself and teammates. He has led the Hawks to several clutch wins, and his deep shooting range makes him a constant threat. While his defense has been a weak point and the loss of Jalen Johnson to season-ending injury has the Hawks reeling, his offensive production often compensates for all-star consideration. It’s hard to argue that he isn’t one of the top guards in the league, making his All-Star absence one of the most glaring. Is Trae better than Tyler Herro?  Yes, but Herro is having a career year for a Miami Heat team that’s currently in the playoffs even in the face of all the Jimmy Butler drama.

2.Domantas Sabonis – Sacramento Kings

Few players in the NBA are as consistent and reliable as Domantas Sabonis. The Kings’ big man has been one of the league’s premier interior forces, averaging 21 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Sabonis leads the NBA in rebounds and in double-doubles and has been instrumental in keeping Sacramento competitive in the Western Conference. Sabonis is the engine of the Kings’ offense, facilitating from the high post while maintaining one of the best shooting efficiencies among big men. His ability to control the boards and distribute makes him one of the most complete forwards in the league. Sacramento’s solid standing in the West only strengthens the case for his inclusion. Despite being snubbed, Sabonis’ all-around contributions make him a player teams hate to face and fans love to watch.

3. LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball is this year’s “he has great numbers but his team is absolute trash” all-star snub. Ball is having the best statistical season of his career including a career high 50 points. For the season, the youngest Ball brother is averaging 28.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, but Charlotte Hornets are the worst team in the league. His deep shooting range, flashy passing, and ability to take over games offensively make him one of the most entertaining players in the league. With his Gen Z game, he easily won the fan vote in the East so LaMelo not making the roster makes him the first player to top fan voting for his position but still miss out on an NBA All-Star selection since the league introduced its current voting system in 2016-17, which includes input from fans, media, and players.

While Charlotte’s record isn’t great, the All-Star Game is about individual performance, and Ball’s numbers speak for themselves. He’s taken a leap as a scorer, improved his efficiency, and remains one of the top playmakers in the NBA. Fans were vocal about his LaMelo’s omission, questioning why a player putting up all-star numbers and having won the fane vote was left off (pssssst.. it was the coach vote).

4. Kyrie Irving – Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving has been phenomenal for the Mavericks, playing at an elite level with Luka Doncic out. Irving is averaging 25.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the field. Mark Cuban isn’t happy. Kyrie’s ability to score in isolation, finish at the rim, and hit clutch shots makes him one of the best guards in the NBA and is your favorite player’s favorite player.  Irving’s absence from the All-Star Game is surprising given his importance to Dallas’ success, but we only have 12 roster spots.

The Mavericks have been battling injuries, and Irving has stepped up in crucial moments to keep them in the playoff race. While the competition for backcourt spots in the West is fierce, Irving has played well enough to deserve a spot. His exclusion feels more like voter fatigue rather than a reflection of his performance this season.

5. Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns

Unless the Suns went on a huge winning streak, there was no way the Suns were getting two players. So when Durant was named a starter, Devin Booker’s chances were slim,  Averaging 26.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, Booker has continued to be the focal point of Phoenix’s offense. Even with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on the roster, Booker remains the Suns’ best shot creator and go-to scorer in clutch moments. What makes Booker’s snub particularly shocking is his efficiency. He’s shooting above 50% from the field and remains one of the best mid-range scorers in basketball.. Leaving Booker off the team is a tough pill to swallow, especially when considering his consistent All-Star-level production over the past few seasons.

6. Norman Powell – Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers were only going to get one player, and it was very likely going to be James Harden (as it should be). Consider this a Norman Powell appreciation section. Powell has quietly put together an outstanding season for the Clippers, yet his contributions didn’t translate into an All-Star nod. Averaging 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting an impressive 41.8% from three, Powell has been one of the most efficient scorers in the league.

Whether starting or coming off the bench, he has consistently provided a scoring spark for Los Angeles, keeping them competitive in a loaded Western Conference. What makes Powell’s snub frustrating is how much he has elevated his game. With the Clippers dealing with injuries throughout the season, Powell stepped up in key moments, delivering multiple 30-point performances and proving his ability to take over games when needed. He’s been one of the best sixth men in the league and has played a major role in the Clippers’ strong position in the standings. Despite being left out, Powell’s performance this season has been too good to ignore, and he remains one of the most underrated offensive weapons in the NBA.

7. De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings

De’Aaron Fox is having another stellar season, but the West is packed with deserving players. So despite averaging 26.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, the only thing Fox has to look forward to in February is a potential trade to the Spurs. All that said, he has led the Kings with his quickness, finishing ability, and continually improved three-point shooting. Fox has been the closer for Sacramento, consistently delivering in crunch time. His speed and ability to break down defenses make him one of the most exciting guards in the league. With Sacramento still in the playoff race, his exclusion is difficult to justify. While the West is loaded with talent, Fox’s performance this season certainly warranted an All-Star nod.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will feature incredible talent, but these seven players have every reason to feel overlooked especially Trae, Fox, and Sabonis who were our top snubs from last year. From elite scorers to game-changing playmakers, each of these stars has delivered performances worthy of an All-Star nod. While missing out is disappointing, history has shown that All-Star snubs often use the moment as motivation. Expect these players to continue making their case and proving why they belong among the league’s elite.

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