The reserves for this year’s NBA All-Star Game have been announced and the rosters have been filled with 24 players set to make the trip to Toronto, Canada for this year’s showcase. However, it seems as though every year there is some serious debate about who got in and who was left out, with a number of deserving candidates failing to get the nod. Here is a look at the five best current players that have never made the NBA All-Star Game.
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
Guard
The veteran point guard has consistently been one of the best players at his position every single season but somehow Conley has never been named to the NBA All-Star game. The fourth-overall pick from the 2007 NBA Draft is widely regarded as one of the best two-way point guards in the NBA but he has never been deemed worthy enough to beat out his peers for the All-Star honor. It isn’t unreasonable that Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, James Harden or even Kobe Bryant in his farewell season got in ahead of Conley this year but when you consider the list of players that have made the All-Star team over the years ahead of Conley, it’s pretty surprising. Chauncey Billups, Tony Parker and Deron Williams have all been named Western Conference All-Stars since Conley came in to the NBA in 2007 and it’s amazing that with his unique skill set, he hasn’t gotten the opportunity to this point.
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
Forward
Ibaka continues to play third wheel on the Thunder behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and that is a big reason why he has never been named to the Western Conference All-Star team. It certainly doesn’t help that Ibaka isn’t relied on to put up big point totals playing behind the big two but he has still managed to produce solid averages. including 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game this season. Ibaka may have very well already been named an All-Star if he had spent his first few NBA seasons playing in the Eastern Conference but right now he is arguably the best forward in the association to never receive that honor.
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Center
Jordan will never be an elite free throw shooter but that should hardly keep him from the list as an NBA All-Star when you consider the skill set he provides for the Clippers. Jordan is an outstanding center that has averaged a double-double for three straight seasons including a ridiculous 15 rebounds per game last season while shooting over 70-percent from the field. Jordan has been forced to play third wheel behind Paul and Griffin, but eventually he will need to get the respect he deserves with a nod to the NBA All-Star Game. Jordan has averaged 12.0 points, 13.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game this season, but unfortunately for him, those numbers aren’t enough to push him ahead of Marc Gasol and DeMarcus Cousins in the Western Conference All-Star picture right now.
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Forward
Hayward has quietly turned into one of the most productive wings in the NBA, averaging 19.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season. However, the Jazz have yet to emerge as a legitimate playoff team in the Western Conference and that is a big reason why he has flown under the radar. Hayward has all of the tools to become an All-Star eventually and Utah could be one star point guard away from solidifying its status as a legitimate playoff team in the Western Conference.
J.J. Redick, Los Angeles Clippers
Guard
Redick continues to perform at a high level as one of the most underrated players in the NBA. His numbers this season make him worthy of consideration at the very least. Redick has averaged 16.0 points including 2.7 three-point shots per game and his 48-percent field goal percentage and 48-percent three-point percentage are among the best in the NBA at his position. Redick continues to be considered somewhat of an afterthought behind Paul, Blake Griffin and Jordan in Los Angeles but that could change soon if he continues to produce at a high level.
