When looking at the player selection for the 2022 NBA All-Star game, it's clear to me that some truly deserved candidates were snubbed. One glaring omission was Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. Bane's season averages of 17.8 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with a staggering field goal percentage of 47.6% show his all-around impact on the court. Despite these numbers, his name wasn't called, and it's baffling. He’s already proving he’s an up-and-coming star.
Another snub that jumps out at me is Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Allen has been a defensive anchor and a beast on the boards, securing 10.8 rebounds per game along with averaging 16.1 points. His efficiency in the paint, both as a scorer and a defender, makes him an essential part of the Cavaliers’ success. Not having him included seems like a huge disservice.
Diving into another notable omission, consider Jaren Jackson Jr. Although some might argue that other players edged him out, his contributions to the Grizzlies' success this season cannot be overlooked. Averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor should have earned him a spot.
Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors also deserved a nod. His versatility has been on full display, with stats showing 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. These numbers put him among the most versatile forwards in the league. Given his role and how he's stepped up this season, his exclusion was truly surprising. It's not just about his individual numbers but how he has carried the team.
In my opinion, De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings should have been on that All-Star list too. Fox has been phenomenal, leading his team with 23.2 points and 5.6 assists per game. Despite the Kings' struggles, Fox's ability to dominate games and lead by example makes his absence from the All-Star roster quite questionable. It's clear that both performance and popularity shape these selections, but sometimes the intricacies of a player's influence on their team can be overlooked.
Tyler Herro has also been putting up impressive numbers for the Miami Heat. Averaging 20.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Herro has been consistent and clutch. His performance, especially in critical moments, underscores his snub. In several instances this season, he has delivered game-winning shots, exemplifying the kind of player who thrives under pressure.
With the volume of high-caliber talent in the league, it's always tough to fit everyone into the All-Star game. Yet, seeing the omission of players like Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans makes me question the selection process. Ingram's 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game reflect his role as a central pillar for his team. His ability to score efficiently, facilitate, and even defend at a high level should’ve given him the recognition he deserves.
An omission that has sparked some debates is Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edwards, with his electrifying play and ability to score from anywhere on the court, has been averaging 22.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His highlights alone bring excitement to the franchise, and his exclusion left many fans disappointed. It’s puzzling how a player of his caliber doesn’t make the All-Star cut.
Also, let's talk about Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday’s averages of 18.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game don’t fully capture his impact, especially on the defensive end. Being one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, his efforts often go unnoticed because defensive contributions aren’t as glamorous as scoring. He has so much more than stats; the guy changes the game on both ends.
Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown also deserved a spot in the All-Star game. With his averages of 24.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, Brown has been crucial for the Celtics. His ability to score efficiently and play lockdown defense makes his exclusion rather contentious. Considering his performances this season, it’s tough to justify his absence from the All-Star lineup.
Norman Powell, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaged solid numbers even before his trade, with 18.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His ability to adapt mid-season and continue performing at a high level demonstrates his quality. Powell's snub indicates that sometimes players getting traded mid-season suffer visibility issues in All-Star considerations.
Another surprising omission was LaMelo Ball who, despite being a young player, showcased immense skill and maturity. Ball averaged 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. With such well-rounded stats, his ability to control the tempo, create plays, and perform under pressure suggests he should have been in the All-Star conversation more seriously.
Karl-Anthony Towns did make the cut, but I think D’Angelo Russell of the Timberwolves should have also been considered more extensively. Russell’s averages of 18.1 points and 7 assists per game are not easy to overlook. His leadership and playmaking ability have been vital to the Timberwolves' performances. Being overshadowed by his teammate shouldn’t undermine his contribution to the team's success.
Finally, someone like Deandre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns also merits attention. Ayton averaged 16.8 points and 10.4 rebounds this season. His interior presence, efficient scoring, and strong rebounding have been crucial for the Suns. He’s been consistently effective, and his role on one of the top teams in the league should have weighed more heavily in his favor.
All in all, the All-Star selection can often seem like a mix of popularity and performance, but the 2022 NBA All-Star voting results left out some players who, by all measurable standards, deserved to be recognized. It’s always a contentious topic, and no one can completely agree, but it's safe to say there were some significant snubs this time around. For more details, check out the nba all star voting results 2022.