NBA All Star Reserves were announced today, and the Sacramento Kings were shut out from the selections. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis were both snubbed from the team, barring injury replacements yet to come.
De’Aaron Fox is averaging a career high 27.2 points per game, to go along with 5.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. Fox has increased his three point shooting this season, taking a career high 7.9 threes per game, and making a career high 38.0% of his attempts.
Domantas Sabonis is averaging 19.9 points per game (just shy of his career high of 20.3 in 2020-21). Sabonis is averaging a league leading and career high 13.0 rebounds per game. Sabonis is also averaging 8 assists per game, another career high, an 7th most in the NBA.
As Akis wrote earlier today, both players were absolutely deserving of an All-Star berth. It’s an unfortunate result of a stacked Western Conference. The excuse on TNT for shutting out the Kings is that voters were “rewarding winning” giving Karl-Anthony Towns the final spot, while also ignoring that Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker all made the All-Star team representing teams with worse records than Sacramento.
Fox and Sabonis probably welcome the break, as neither are the types of players who care much for these types of awards, but it’s a slap in the face to the Kings stars and their fans.
Keegan Murray will represent the Kings at All-Star Weekend in the Rising Stars game.
6 West All-Stars from teams below us in the standings. Don’t think PHX and the other LA team deserve 2 each
Mike Brown must be one heck of a coach to have a better record with worse players I guess.
Well, of course because he’s on the Lakers, Anthony Davis gets in even though the Lakers stink this year.
Maybe in the grand scheme of things, the team could use that extended All Star weekend break to recover. I don’t usually pay any attention to the activities anyway, even when Kings players make it.
OT: Looks like AD and LBJ have been holding their teammates back. Without those two the L****s are about to beat the Celtics in Boston. Oh, and the FTA discrepancy sits at 26 to 7 in favor of the visiting L****s!
Kings, Pels and Jazz only teams in the top 10 without representation.
Kings only team in top 6 of either conference without an All-Star.
The only team currently in the playoffs without an all-star, meanwhile the Lakers, playing below .500, get two.
It’s a stupid system for a stupid mid season game. Meh.
I hope they wear that big chip on their shoulders for the rest of the season.
And of course, gotta put a Warriors player in there even though they’re a losing team.
And we get to the playoffs and kick their asses!
Honestly this is good news. Fox clearly needs to heal up, Sabonis’ probably needs a break from getting hit in the face.
The All Star game sucks.
This was what I was actually hoping for. Fox clearly needs a break and I have no doubt Domas could use one. Additionally I’m hoping that Domas can learn to stop fouling people with his head and face during this off time
The bad- a snub
The good- rest + motivation
I honestly think that neither do Fox and Sabonis. And if they do, perhaps it will add a little fuel to their fire for the remainder of the season.
Pretty unsurprising. Fox was a lock until January started and Sabonis was never getting rewarded after his playoff performance last year. It sucks but it is what it is. Come out and kill everyone to end the year and make All-NBA. That’s more important anyway.
I was first thinking Domas was a lock and then this same thought struck me–some of these idiot voters are going to only have that Warriors series in their minds, so he might actually get fucked. And of course he did.
I feel bad for him because of how he’s been working his ass off but it definitely should be helpful in the long run.
If they used that criteria they should not have a vote . It is supposed to be based on this seasons play . Just like MVP is based on the regular season .
Domas was doomed due to the fan voting, the fans voted for Wemby more and Sengun got 4 times as many fan votes as Domas. Neither Wemby nor Sengun got a single vote from the media or players yet they are still ranked higher than Domas on total votes.
Side Rant: To a small degree, I also think that all the bitching that GSW did (by their fans, players, and coaches) last year about Domas being a dirty player (all in an effort justify the little-bitch boy tactics of Green) probably cost lasting damage to his image. While the talent-less Green has continued to be a little-bitch boy and received multiple suspensions again this year for punching, choking and being an all-around jack-ass; Domas hasn’t gotten into it with anyone.
Outside of Sacramento players, coaches, media, and fans, I honestly don’t think the general NBA consensus sees Sabonis as an elite player. It’s crazy to me, but he’s rarely (if ever) ever talked about around the league as being a top 20 player.
I know…it’s one of the reasons why there was so much confusion about the trade (Hali for Domas) in the first place, people don’t just understand how good he is because its all substance and with little flare.
Sabonis is a class act in the NBA PERIOD!
I guess the question is—Is Sabonis just like Julius Randle?…guy who puts up huge numbers but has been bad in the playoffs
People don’t think of Randle as a top 20.
If Sabonis improves and shows out better in the playoffs he’ll be thought of as top 20 I’d imagine.
Of course, his regular season play this year deserves all star nod.
I don’t think they’re that much alike other than they both have yet to have post-season success, Domas is primarily a rebounder and playmaker while Randle is a scorer. Scorers get more recognition (Randle was named to the All-Star team), but players like Domas lead to more wins.
I responded to this below to be the ball. That’s not what I was trying to imply. I was giving a reason why both of them are not thought of his top 20 players in the league.
I personally didn’t think he was bad on the playoffs. His numbers were just a bit below his regular season ones.
The Warriors entire defensive game plan targeted Sabonis, and nobody else consistently rose to the task of he long out. Fox has 3 solid games, Monk had 2, Huerter, Lyles, Barnes showed up for 1 game each. If they performed even remotely close to how they did during the regular season, the narrative around Sabonis wouldn’t exist.
Their disappearances left him alone on an island.
Kind of disagree. This is not Sabonis’s first trip to the playoffs. Actually his 4th. He’s been a non factor in all playoff appearances.
Averaging 12-8 lifetime in the playoffs. His reputation in the playoffs is not a one off against the Dubs.
The reality is this. He is a great regular season big. In the playoffs. Teams know he can’t shoot with consistency at distance. Can’t rim protect with effectiveness. This is his seventh season. So this is nothing new for him
His advantages are taken away by teams that focus on D in the playoffs.
Either crowding him at the rim with aggressive players or drawing him out forcing him to give up the ball or shoot a 20 footer
Which he is not comfortable doing. He has a very robotic unnatural looking shot. And he takes time to wind up. If he’s wide open he’ll take an occasional 3. He has a pretty good percentage. He had the past 2 summers to work on his outside game. Really the guy has ZERO excuses for not improving that inherent weakness in his game. Brooke Lopez couldn’t shoot for years. But over the past 4 years became a deadly 3 pt sniper for the Bucks. So. There’s that.
Another reason I felt he became expendable with the Pacers.
This.
Well put. Until Domas shows out in the playoffs, his reputation will remain as is, whether justifiable or not. Elite regular season player and limited post season player.
I’m still dubious that Domas’ reg season play will translate to the playoffs, I just don’t see it given his weaknesses that are amplified in the post season. Which is why I have said for the longest time, Domas needs the perfect 4 next to him to hide his weaknesses. An uber athletic, shot blocking 4 with 3 pt range..good luck to MM in finding one.
That’s the rub I guess. Ultimately, until McNair can add players who can help contribute in the postseason and play a part in taking the focus off him, Sabonis will continue to put up a similar stats to what we saw last year.
Honestly, I think the only thing Sabonis needs to learn to be effective is to be able to hit that mid range with some consistency so people guard him. That’s pretty much enough for playoffs. I think he can?
I do like that he’s working on his game. Or if his three ball could hold up in the playoffs.
Just Domas bashing . Check his playoff stats compared to all Kings and Pacers . Might be an eye opener .
Not true on any level except Domas bashing . His playoff numbers in Indiana were solid and last year down slightly as were all Kings not named Monk .
I did a bad job of expressing what I meant.
Sabonis was limited in playoffs, didn’t shoot though wide open, and people saw that. Was not nearly as good in the playoffs as it was in the regular season. Randle is notoriously bad trying to be closer in playoffs.
Neither are thought of as top 20 players because of that. Wasn’t Talking about them being all stars.
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Logged in just to upvote this. Thanks for the laugh!
A glaring wrongdoing indeed.
Not sure how Booker, Kawhi, AD, KAT, and George all go in over Sabonis and/or Fox. Other than simply being picked on name recognition/reputation alone.
That said, if I’m being honest, I hope the selections all stay healthy, so our guys can get some much needed and deserved rest.
Sheesh, can believe I left Curry off the list, too. In short Ant is the only one I’d say is definitely deserving.
Same energy
Small Market Sacramento gets taxed and the players axed… again.
Fair, but Fantasy, question:
Whom would you rather on the Kings this season – as is Anthony Davis or Domantas Sabonis? Karl Anthony Townes or Domantas Sabonis? etc. for Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Lebron, Durant, Jokic. Who will give you the most regular season and playoff wins on this team?
Same question for De’Aaron Fox: SGA, Luka, Booker, Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards?
All of them are good – but Fox or Sabonis aren’t necessarily better, if as good, as those who were chosen. Some I have more issues with than others.
Last season was great for Sac with both Fox and Ox on both All-Star team and All-NBA teams. This year – it’s someone else’s turn, is how I see it. Minnesota has taken over Sac’s spot as has LAC – Kawhi has been a beast btw and should have had Durant’s spot.
Just my opinion.
Sabonis clearly deserved it.
Fox not so much given the amount of elite perimeter players in the West.
Based on what you said elsewhere, it got me thinking. I’m starting to wonder if it’s possible he was left off because the coaches see him as more of a “he’s good but not all-star great” because of last postseason. Because it’s hard to believe he was snubbed due to his stat line not being stellar.
Small complaint but why is Greg putting Fox’s name first, when Sabonis is clearly more deserving of being an all star and clearly the Kings best player IMO?
Fox didn’t deserve it after recent skid IMO
Domas did get snubbed IMO
Player 1: 27.5pts / 5.0ast / 4.3reb (team is in 12th)
Player 2: 27.2pts / 5.5ast / 4.1reb (team is in 5th)
Curry’s advanced stats show he has far more weight on the game though
on losing? they’re in 12th
Great player, awful team…he doesn’t deserve it this year is all I’m saying. It’s always been a popularity contest, but Fox deserves it more than Curry.
Then Cade Cunningham should be an all-star. The Pistons have won just 2 games when he doesn’t play. Their win total doubles when he plays.
.
.
.
I just had to.
Player 1: 20.0pts / 8.0ast / 13.0reb (team is in 5th)
Player 2: 24.9pts / 3.7ast / 12.1reb (team is in 9th)
there you go
I agree. Domas was clearly snubbed whilst Fox’ candidacy is muddled by the sheer amount of elite guards and wings.
As disappointed as I am they didn’t make it, I can see why other coaches didn’t vote for them.
Both are horrendous free throw shooters. Fox doesn’t go to rim like he used to anymore. He goes in soft and then complains about not getting fouled.
He and Sabonis are both becoming almost unwatchable with how much they whine to the refs. It’s bringing back bad memories of Cousins.
I hate to say it, but neither one is as good as last year. Fox was over 50 from the field with a much worse 3 point percentage, and Sabonis just can’t hold on to the ball or make a free throw.
Hopefully this snub will fire them up for the stretch run. They’re definitely capable. They just need to shut up, get back on D and play ball.
They were snubbed because they’re horrendous free throw shooters?
That’s your for real, serious take on why they didn’t make the all-star list?
The Sabonis snub is the worst. Fox is borderline and in a slump, but Sabonis numbers are in rare company. He’s the second best center in the league and top 10 all NBA.
Both snubs are are bad. The timing of Fox’s slump makes the Sabonis snub seem worse, but it’s flawed to value (for example) a December slump more than a January slump.
The NBA is dumb, selecting multiple Suns and Lakers even though those 2 teams are not that good. They should also select players from unrepresented teams like the Pels, Kings, and Jazz rather than 2 Clippers and Wolves. Of course it’s based on franchise popularity which helps the NBAs bottom line but Domas def should’ve been picked over Davis. I don’t think D’Aaron should have quite made it this year, our team success is not enough, and he has fallen a bit the last month or so.
The Kings will only be the 3rd team in history to win the NBA Finals without an All Star on the team. Rest up guys, enjoy the fam and comeback hungry and make it so.
Who are the 3 teams without an all-star?
Only two teams, the 1950 Minneapolis Lakers (the all-star game didn’t start until 1951) and the 1999 San Antonio Spurs (since there was no All-Star Game because of the lockout), have ever won an NBA championship in a season in which none of their players made an all-star team. No team has ever won a championship without having a player on their roster who was selected to an all-star team at some point in their NBA career.
Bonus Kings related knowledge:
The 1951 champion Rochester Royals were represented by Bob Davies and alternate Arnie Risen.
Unless it impacts them financially, both should turn down an injury reserve spot if one should come up.
We have this discussion every year.
IT’S A POPULARITY CONTEST!!!
Deserve or winning or stats have nothing to do with it.
It’s the Miss America Contest of basketball players.
If the NBA wanted a perfectly fair method of selecting All Stars, it would supply a formula of the weights of what each particular statistic is worth–points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, a variety of defensive statistics–before the All Star game, and then they would feed the qualifying stats into a gigantic fake computer, like a 1960s version of the future, a humongous Atari! which could then spit out the winning names on a paper feed, like a telegraph from another world.
That would impress a lot of people, including me. And maybe only me.
Wasn’t Austin Reeves a starter last year? That’s like Adam Sandler getting an Oscar for Billy Madison.
Point is the NBA’s dog and pony show hasn’t been a true measure of seasonal performance since shortly after the voting went to the internet. That’s why the Oscars still maintain some element of prestige to the recipients; there’s still some integrity to the process of being nominated and selected. The ASG? Not so much. We could have Jalen Slawson starting next year if we get the bot server going before the voting starts…
Turns out the snub cost Sabonis $1.3M.
LOL. Domas is #7 on the NBA.com MVP Ladder, but can’t make the All-Star game. He’s the only one of the 15 players on their list not on the All-Star Roster.
I had a difficult time voting for 5 best players–even with Sabonis and Fox being my 2 from the West. There is a plethora of serious talent in the NBA. And small markets don’t stand a chance in popularity contests unless they win (viz San Antonio Spurs).
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