Top 5 players who were snubbed from the 2023 All-Star starters featuring Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and more

The NBA just announced this year’s All-Star starters, with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo named as captains. 50% of the voting was done by fans, while players and the media contributed 25% each.

Naturally, there are names who some fans feel have unfortunately been left out. Each of the starting five has three frontcourt players and two guards in the lineup. Dislodging one or two of them for another player will undoubtedly start a heated debate.

Which player was the biggest snub from the 2023 All-Star starters?Anthony DavisJa MorantShai Gilgeous-AlexanderJoel EmbiidSomeone else https://t.co/VNd5Uzs0N6

Here are five players who could have been named starters, but weren't:

#1 Anthony Davis, LA Lakers, frontcourt

Anthony Davis will not take the place of LeBron James and Nikola Jokic as All-Star starters. The two are untouchable, given their numbers and impact this season.

AD, though, could challenge Zion Williamson’s spot in the lineup. They have nearly identical numbers, including games played.

Both have been superb when they’re available this season and have made their teams more formidable when they’re around. Davis had one stretch where he was arguably the best player in the NBA.

“Zion leapfrogged Anthony Davis” @TermineRadio & @JumpShot8 agree with Zion being chosen as an All-Star starter. https://t.co/iD4BBqhOv4

Unfortunately for him, a foot injury got in the way. Anthony Davis has just returned to action after missing close to six weeks.

#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder, guard

Charles Barkley passionately argued that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be one of the All-Star starters. He isn’t the only one who thought the OKC Thunder guard should have made the lineup.

If he were to join the team, he would have to replace, almost shockingly, Steph Curry. “SGA” has played more games and is averaging 30.8 PPG on 51.1% shooting, figures which are all better than Curry’s.

Charles Barkley on SGA: "If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not starting in the All-Star game, we are not going to let the public vote again. He should be starting at the 2 spot in the Western Conference, easily. " https://t.co/f7MKIfbtXe

OKC is just one game behind the defending NBA champs in the Western Conference standings. The Thunder own a 23-25 win-loss slate, while the Warriors are 24-24.

#3 Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, guard

Ja Morant was one of the NBA’s All-Star starters last season but didn’t make it this time after he was dislodged by Steph Curry. The Memphis Grizzlies guard, however, could have staked a claim this year as well.

Ja Morant seeing that Steph Curry is an All-Star starter over him this season @PatBevPod https://t.co/JqUQtooi3x

“G12” is the best player for the second-best team in the Western Conference record-wise. He is averaging 27.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 8.0 APG and 1.0 SPG.

#4 Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings, frontcourt

Domantas Sabonis had a very strong case to be one of the All-Star starters this season. The versatile big man may have just been overlooked as he’s on the Sacramento Kings.

“Domas” leads the NBA in double-doubles with 36, three more than Nikola Jokic’s total, and tops the league in rebounding with 12.4 RPG. He is also averaging 18.4 points on 60.6% from the field, including 37.0% from behind the arc, to go with a team-best 7.3 APG.

If Domantas Sabonis is not an All-Star this season, there needs to be an investigation! https://t.co/rjO9idkcBx

More importantly, the Sacramento Kings have become a vastly different and better team because of him. The Kings holding a 27-20 record should be one good reason why Domantas Sabonis deserves to be one of the All-Star starters.

Sabonis could easily take Zion Williamson’s starting spot.

#5 Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, frontcourt

Who Joel Embiid could replace among the East All-Star starters is hard to say. Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo all have strong cases and ultimately it was “The Process” that was doomed.

Embiid is the NBA’s reigning scoring champ and his 33.4 PPG this season is second only to Luka Doncic’s 33.8 PPG. Philly’s superstar big man adds 9.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks to his averages.