The NBA has announced the 2021-22 NBA All-star reserves from both the Eastern and Western Conference on Thursday night. The Phoenix backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker and Utah’s dynamic duo Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell lead the West reserves.
Dallas Mavericks star player Luka Doncic, three-time champion Draymond Green and Minnesota Timberwolves’ All-NBA centre Karl-Anthony Towns complete the list.
The 2022 #NBAAllStar starters & reserves!
The #NBAAllStar Draft Show is Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 PM ET on TNT. pic.twitter.com/MzaZLIFuHB
— NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2022
The Eastern Conference reserves are led by two first-time All-stars in Cleveland’s Darius Garland and Toronto’s Fred VanVleet. The remaining All-stars are an eclectic bunch of veterans like Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden and Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton. Similarly, youngsters like Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine and Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum round up the pool.
Like every year, this season also brings many snubs who have made compelling cases for the All-star selections from both conferences. Let us look at these four high-performing players who can be deemed as All-star snubs.
Jarrett Allen
Jarret Allen has been the backbone of the surprise Cleveland Cavaliers as the fifth seed in the east. Cavs have 31 wins and 21 losses and are one of the best defensive teams in the league. Here Allen shined the most with his 10.7 rebounds and 1.4 rebounds. The 23-year-old also averages 16.1 points and has often looked like the best Cavs player on the court. Hence, Allen can be considered as one of the biggest All-star snubs.
JARRETT ALLEN POSTERIZED PLUMLEE. ???????? pic.twitter.com/gYxMPnX28A
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) October 22, 2021
Dejounte Murray
The San Antonio Spurs look like they are already looking at the NBA draft with a record of 19-34. But Dejounte Murray has been their silver lining amidst a forgettable season. Murray is averaging close to a triple-double with 19.6 points, 9.1 assists, 8.5 rebounds and two steals.
The Seattle native is on pace to be just the third player to average eight assists, eight rebounds and steals, alongside Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in league history, making a strong case for his selection.
Dejounte Murray is snubbed.
19.6 PPG
8.5 RPG (2nd among guards)
9.1 APG (4th in NBA)
10 Triple-Doubles (Spurs record)He and Luka are the only players averaging 18/8/8 this season. pic.twitter.com/QwdlYfjelT
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 4, 2022
Anthony Edwards
The Minnesota Timberwolves are gradually showing glimpses of a future powerhouse with a record of 27-25 in the west. Despite having promising stars like Diangelo Russell and Karl Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards has been their biggest positive.
The Ant-Man has put up 22.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while being very efficient from both the field and the three-point line. Combining his deserving statistics and Minnesota’s .500 record, Edwards should have been an All-star.
ANTHONY EDWARDS CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF. ✈️???? pic.twitter.com/NFYtTTQf0I
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) December 4, 2021
LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball has been a revelation for the Charlotte Hornets. Ball has improved after a Rookie of the Year season with stats like 19.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists while shooting 42.6% from the field and 35.8% from deep.
The Charlotte Hornets have also been one of the hottest teams of the season, making their games must-see, thanks to Melo. If they can continue on this pace they could be an interesting matchup in the eastern conference playoff. Going head to head with his fellow draftee, like Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball should have an All-star.
LaMelo Ball (@MELOD1P) gets a career-high 38 pts, 9 asts, 5 rebs & 2 stls. ???? Tough. @nba #lameloball #charlottehornets pic.twitter.com/GJVvHB1RTK
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) February 3, 2022