With All-Star weekend coming around the corner, we now know the starters and reserves for both conferences. Some experts argue there should be more than 12 players on each team. Well, here’s some love for the “snubs,” a.k.a. the guys that didn’t make the team but deserve the credit.
10) Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Oladipo the Indiana University alum in his sophomore campaign is averaging 16.6 points, 4.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. Oladipo is competing in the dunk contest and the NBA Rising Stars game. He may not be an all-star yet but the future is bright for this high-flyer.
9) Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
This Slovenian baller is now six years deep into the league. He may only make it once or twice as an all-star throughout his career, but it’s bound to happen soon. He’s averaging 16.5 points, 4.0 assists and only 2.2 turnovers per contest.
8) Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
This German legend is averaging a quiet 18.3 points, 5.9 boards and 89.5 percent from the line. Nowitzki is now seventh on the NBA all-time scoring list behind legends like Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant. This hall of famer deserved to be an all-star.
7) Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
“Cardiac Kemba” earned his nickname in his electrifying last second finishes in the 2011 NCAA tournament. Walker is well on his way toward an all-star selection. He’s averaging 18.8 points and 5.2 assists per game in his third year in the league.
6) Al Jefferson, Charlotte Hornets
Jefferson was drafted in 2004 by Boston in the first round, 15th overall. He’s been a productive player throughout his career but making it on the all-star team as a big man in the Eastern Conference is tough when you consider the down low presences.
5) Brandon Knight, Milwaukee Bucks
The third year point guard out of Kentucky has racked up impressive numbers so far this year. He is averaging 17.7 points, 5.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. Knight has all-star potential but it might mean getting out of Milwaukee to make the team.
4) Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
He is the best three point shooter in the game today. The 6 foot 7 inch sharp shooter is averaging 53.5 percent from the three point line and 13.1 points per game. Korver is considered one of the most deadly weapons in the league.
3) Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
Randolph is one of the most underrated players in the game. Now in his 14th year, Randolph is having another stellar season averaging 17.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. He is a main reason to why Memphis is second in the west.
2) Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
Vucevic is a rising star in the NBA and putting up huge numbers. He is averaging 19.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. In his fourth year in the league he is averaging numbers very close to all-star Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls. The Magic are on an incline as a team and he’s to take credit for that.
1)Monta Ellis, Dallas Mavericks
Coming in as the biggest all-star snub is pure shooter Monta Ellis from Dallas. Ellis has always been a great player in the league but has received no recognition. He is averaging 20.4 points, 4.6 assists and 45.7 percent from the field per game. Ellis would be an exciting all-star to watch with his extravagant layups and circus shots.