The announcement of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game reserves on Thursday has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, eliciting comments from teams and players regarding who was unjustly overlooked. Given the huge player pool and the high stakes of the All-Star event, the selection process has become a hot topic on social media.

Reserves Breakdown

Selected by NBA head coaches, the reserves list differs from the starters, who are determined by a combination of fan votes (50%), current players (25%), and media panel (25%). This year, the reserves include:

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
• Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
• Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
• Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
• Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)

These first-time All-Stars join established veterans like James Harden (LA Clippers), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), and Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks).

Notable Omissions

Amidst the celebrations, several star players were left off the list, igniting debates among fans and analysts alike. Notably, Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks' guard, was a glaring absentee despite averaging a remarkable 22.7 points and leading the league with 11.4 assists.

In a show of support, the Atlanta Hawks shared a post depicting Young giving a thumbs down along with a statistical breakdown of his stellar season:

Trae Young leads the NBA in:

• Assists per game (11.4)
• Point/Assist double-doubles (27)

Trae Young leads the East in:

• 30-point, 10-assist games (7)
• 20-point, 10-assist games (19)

The Phoenix Suns also voiced their frustrations over Devin Booker's exclusion, despite his impressive stats:

Booker is 1-of-3 Western Conference guards with at least 14 30-point games this season.

In another twist, the Charlotte Hornets lamented the absence of LaMelo Ball, who is out with an ankle injury but was previously leading in votes. Their social media post featured an impactful meme to convey their discontent.

Closing Thoughts

Even the Sacramento Kings expressed confusion over Domantas Sabonis not making the cut, despite leading the league in double-doubles and averaging impressive numbers:

• 20.9 points, 14.2 rebounds per game

As the criticism rolls in, it is clear that the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will not just be a showcase of talent but a battleground for reputations. The festivities are set to kick off on February 14 in the Bay Area, promising an action-packed event amid the ongoing discussions about inclusivity and recognition in this beloved sport.

With the All-Star event on the horizon, the league's narrative is gaining layers, fueling rivalries and camaraderie alike as stars vie for their moment in the limelight.