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The NBA has announced the 2023 All-Star reserves for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. While some of the usual faces made it to the team, there are some who are first-timers in the famed event.
The Eastern All-Star reserves were the first to be announced. A few players were snubbed for being named an All-Star this season. James Harden, Jalen Brunson and Zach LaVine didn't make it to the team going into Utah. With that said, here are the reserves that make up the Eastern All-Star team.
For the Western Conference All-Stars, there were a few surprises that made it to the 2023 All-Star reserves. However, players like De'Aaron Fox, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards weren't included in the mix. The surprise player that made it to the team was Jaren Jackson Jr., who's a first-time All-Star for the Memphis Grizzlies.
2023 NBA All-Star Reserves: The First Timers
This season has been a blast for many stars in the league. Which is why it's an honor for some players to be named an All-Star this season. This year's campaign features familiar faces who will participate in the All-Star game this month. With that said, let's take a look at some of the players who were named 2023 NBA All-Star reserves for the first time in their careers.
Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers found a gem when they decided to trade Domantas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton. It looks like the trade paid off as Haliburton is leading the team to a possible playoff appearance. He's averaging 20.2 points and 10.2 assists for the Pacers this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been incredible for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Although his team isn't winning as much, SGA is still able to impress critics and other players around the league. Shai is averaging 30.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies will be sending two players to Utah this season to participate in the 72nd All-Star game. Jaren Jackson Jr. will tag along with Ja Morant after an impressive first half to the season. JJJ is also a favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after the 2022-23 NBA season.
Drafted as the 4th pick in 2018 out of Michigan State, @jarenjacksonjr is averaging 16.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 3.3 BPG for the Grizzlies this season.
Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz won't be without a representative this season as Lauri Markkanen will play in his first All-Star game this season. He's been impressive since the start of the season for the Jazz. The Finnisher has been averaging 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds this season, which is enough to make him an All-Star.
The 2023 NBA All-Star game will take place on February 19 and will showcase a ton of starpower.
Also read: NBA All-Star Game 2023: What is the process for selecting coaches of both teams?
Guess the Lakers players!
