Several big names did not make the All-Star Game in 2022-23. Who will return?
The talent-to-team ratio might be the deepest it’s been since the NBA expanded to 25 teams and beyond in and after 1988. That depth fuels the All-Star “snub” debate, which has turned into an annual affair, but it also leads to absences that seem surprising after the fact.
One example for context: four teams pegged by many to contend in the Western Conference this season — the Nuggets, Suns, Lakers and Warriors — each boasted just one All-Star in 2022-23.
With that in mind, here’s a look at 10 reigning non-All-Stars who could formally return to the league’s elite this year, listed alphabetically.
1.LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
It’s easy to forget how quickly Ball rose to stardom. A fractured right ankle last season blunted the momentum of becoming the fourth-youngest All-Star in league history in 2022.
With Ball healthy, the Hornets are reinforced with the arrival of No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller and the return of Miles Bridges.
- Most recent All-Star season: 2021-22
- Last season’s stats: 23.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 8.4 apg
2.Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Another victim of early-season games missed last season, Booker made people forget he wasn’t an All-Star with a historic postseason performance.
Now he and the revamped Suns are eager to reclaim the magic and respect of their 2021 Finals run after losing in blowout elimination games each of the last two postseasons.
- Most recent All-Star season: 2021-22
- Last season’s stats: 26.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.5 apg
3. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Miami’s slow start following a top-seeded season, combined with a crowded East talent pool, left Butler off the All-Star team last season. He has earned that honor just two out of the last five seasons, only to follow up with unforgettable playoff performances. A better start and fewer missed games in November will help his cause.
- Most recent All-Star season: 2021-22
- Last season’s stats: 22.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.3 apg
4. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Another victim of early-season games missed, Davis proved how elite he still is by being healthy when the Lakers needed him most — in the postseason. Since Davis’ 2012-13 rookie campaign, the last two seasons are the only years he failed to make the All-Star team.
If the Lakers finish better than seventh place for the second time since 2012, Davis could break the streak.
- Most recent All-Star season: 2020-21
- Last season’s stats: 25.9 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg
5. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite minimal statistical dropoff, Garland’s All-Star chances took a hit with the arrival of Donovan Mitchell. Now he and Cleveland hope to build on the franchise’s first 50-win non-LeBron season since 1993 — and earn another All-Star nod with it.
- Most recent All-Star season: 2021-22
- Last season’s stats: 21.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 7.8 apg