The NBA All-Star Game has been criticized by many basketball fans as boring to watch and annoying due to no defense being played. Although I agree, I also think that the NBA All-Star Game is one of the best gatherings of basketball talent in the world. The acrobatic offense that is played I believe is a reflection of the talent that the best players in the world own. My personal knock on the all-star game is that I believe that only twelve players making it per conference is not enough. It seems like every year, more than any other sport, the NBA has many players with all-star numbers who get snubbed due to not having enough room on the rosters. So this list is for the best NBA players in the league right now who have been snubbed many times and have never made an All-Star team although having very solid careers. This list disregards players who haven’t been in the league long enough and who I believe will be all-stars in the future (ex: Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, etc.) or even all-stars this year (ex: Giannis Antetokounmpo, etc.)
Jeremy Lin (Brooklyn Nets)
Point guard/ 6’3/ 200 lbs/ Age: 28
Career stats: 11.8 PPG/ 2.8 RPG/ 4.4 APG/ 1.2 SPG
2010-2011: Golden State Warriors
2011-2012: New York Knicks
2012-2014: Houston Rockets
2014-2015: Los Angeles Lakers
2015-2016: Charlotte Hornets
2016-present: Brooklyn Nets
This list starts off with none other than Linsanity. Although he’s not the strongest candidate on this list, Lin has put together a pretty solid career and nobody can forget his famous 2011-2012 season with the New York Knicks. After averaging 15 and 6 in his best season, Lin hasn’t quite put up the same numbers but received a big pay day by the Nets after having a great year in Charlotte.
Luis Scola (Brooklyn Nets)
Power forward/ 6’9/ 240 lbs/ Age: 36
Career stats: 12.1 PPG/ 6.7 RPG/ 1.6 APG
2007-2012: Houston Rockets
2012-2013: Phoenix Suns
2013-2015: Indiana Pacers
2015-2016: Toronto Raptors
2016-present: Brooklyn Nets
After becoming a household name in the Spanish League as a 2-time MVP, Scola transferred to the NBA in 2007 at the age of 27 and instantly became a great big man. He was named to the All Rookie First Team in the 07-08 season for the Houston Rockets while averaging 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. Things only got better as Scola consistently averaged around 15 and 8 from 08-13 for Houston and Phoenix. Although having very good stats, Scola never made an all-star team and now has become a role player over the last few years for Indiana, Toronto, and now Brooklyn.
Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets)
Point guard/ 6’1/ 184 lbs/ Age: 26
Career stats: 17.7 PPG/ 5.4 APG/ 1.4 SPG
2011-present: Charlotte Bobcats/ Hornets
Kemba has been one of the NBA’s top point guards in the league for a few years now and has been snubbed from the All-star team for the past few years. Although I honestly believe he deserves to make it this year, Kemba definitely was snubbed last year while averaging 20.9 points and 5.5 assists, both career highs. His 17.7 career PPG shows he’s been a prolific scorer his entire career and definitely should make an all-star team very soon.
J.R. Smith (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Shooting guard/ 6’6/ 225 lbs/ Age: 31
Career stats: 13.1 PPG/ 37.5 3P%
2004-2006: New Orleans/ Oklahoma City Hornets
2006-2011: Denver Nuggets
2012-2015: New York Knicks
2015-present: Cleveland Cavaliers
After coming out of High School in 04, JR was one of the NBA’s most anticipated talents who could surprise fans at any moment with stellar dunks. Although he didn’t completely live up to expectation, JR has put together a very good NBA career. He has won Sixth Man of the Year and an NBA Championship but never was able to take part in the February classic. The closest he made it was when he was snubbed in the 12-13 season for the Knicks and ended up averaging 18.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG and won Sixth Man of the Year. Smith currently sits 14th on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list.
Richard Jefferson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Small forward/ 6’7/ 233 lbs/ Age: 36
Career stats: 13.1 PPG/ 4.1 RPG/ 2.1 APG
2001-2008: New Jersey Nets
2008-2009: Milwaukee Bucks
2009-2012: San Antonio Spurs
2012-2013: Golden State Warriors
2013-2014: Utah Jazz
2014-2015: Dallas Mavericks
2015-present: Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s really a shame that throughout Jefferson’s career he never made an all-star team. Especially during his time in New Jersey, Jefferson was actually one of the league’s best two guards and was a tremendous rebounder for his size. He ended up making it to two finals with New Jersey and won the 2016 Finals with Cleveland. No year was better than his 05-06 campaign where he was snubbed for an all-star spot although averaging 19.5 PPG and 6.8 RPG on the season. The previous year he definitely could have been an all-star if it wasn’t for an injury plagued year where he averaged 22 and 7 over 33 games. After leaving New Jersey in 09, Jefferson’s numbers dropped and he never was the same player he was for the Nets.
Andrew Bogut (Dallas Mavericks)
Center/ 7’0/ 260 lbs/ Age: 32
Career stats: 10.2 PPG/ 9 RPG/ 1.6 BPG
2005-2012: Milwaukee Bucks
2012-2016: Golden State Warriors
2016-present: Dallas Mavericks
After being selected as the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by Milwaukee, Bogut has put together a solid career. Although he never lived up to his potential from being the first overall pick, Bogut definitely has injuries to blame for his career. Despite that, Bogut has done a solid job as a force in the paint in the NBA. Through 69 games in 09-10 for Milwaukee, Bogut averaged 15.9 PPG and 10.2 RPG while leading his way to an All-NBA Third Team selection. Despite never being able to add All-Star to his resúme, he does have NBA Champion (2015), All-Defensive Second Team (2015), and NBA Blocks Leader (2011) on it.
Mike Miller (Denver Nuggets)
Small forward/ 6’8/ 218 lbs/ Age: 36
Career stats: 10.8 PPG/ 4.3 RPG/ 2.6 APG
2000-2003: Orlando Magic
2003-2008: Memphis Grizzlies
2008-2009: Minnesota Timberwolves
2009-2010: Washington Wizards
2010-2013: Miami Heat
2013-2014: Memphis Grizzlies
2014-2015: Cleveland Cavaliers
2015-present: Denver Nuggets
Miller has stuck around in the NBA for basically as long as I can remember and has always been a very solid shooting guard. Known for his lethal shooting, Miller’s best days was during his tenure in Memphis where he was the cornerstone of the team along with Pau Gasol. He put together his best season in 06-07 where he averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Although never made it to the all star game, he did win two finals in Miami, won Rookie of the Year, and won Sixth Man of the Year.
Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets)
Shooting guard/ 6’4/ 215 lbs/ Age: 28
Career stats: 16.7 PPG/ 2.5 RPG/ 3.3 APG
2008-2011: Los Angeles Clippers
2011-2016: New Orleans Hornets/ Pelicans
2016-present: Houston Rockets
Since coming into the league in 2008, Gordon has become and stayed one of the NBA’s greatest scorers. Gordon definitely has injuries to blame for his never making an all-star team as he has only played one 70+ game season and the next closest is 64 games. Whether playing injured or not, Gordon has always been able to score as he averaged 22.3 in 56 games in the 10-11 season for L.A. I strongly believe if Gordon can stay healthy for a full season he definitely will make at least one all-star appearance before his career is finished.
Ryan Anderson (Houston Rockets)
Power forward/ 6’10/ 240 lbs/ Age: 28
Career stats: 13.2 PPG/ 5.6 RPG/ 38% 3P%
2008-2009: New Jersey Nets
2009-2012: Orlando Magic
2012-2016: New Orleans Hornets/ Pelicans
2016-presents: Houston Rockets
Ryan Anderson is very similar to Gordon in that he will definitely make an all-star team eventually. Anderson has been able to stay somewhat healthy but has been snubbed several times. His career started off slow but became an impact player in 11-12 season where he won Comeback Player of the Year. Anderson has been a lethal shooter who grabs a bunch of rebounds and is one of the most versatile power forwards in the league.
Thaddeus Young (Indiana Pacers)
Power forward/ 6’8/ 221 lbs/ Age: 28
Career stats: 13.8 PPG/ 5.9 RPG/ 1.4 SPG
2007-2014: Philadelphia 76ers
2014-2015: Minnesota Timberwolves
2015-2016: Brooklyn Nets
2016-present: Indiana Pacers
Young is one of the stronger candidates on this list as he consistently puts up great stats but can never get an all-star nod. Thaddeus has put together great scoring seasons mixed with rebounding and great defense. At only 28 Young definitely should see an all-star nod very soon in his career.
Monta Ellis (Indiana Pacers)
Shooting guard/ 6’3/ 185 lbs/ Age: 31
Career stats: 18.5 PPG/ 3.5 RPG/ 4.7 APG
2005-2012: Golden State Warriors
2012-2013: Milwaukee Bucks
2013-2015: Dallas Mavericks
2015-present: Indiana Pacers
Monta is one of the best examples of how difficult it truly is to make an all-star team. Ellis has put together four 20+ ppg seasons while rarely ever being injured. The only award he has to show for it was Most Improved Player in 2007. After being one of the last players to come out of High School in 05, Ellis has put together great offensive season after great offensive season. His career highs include 25.5 PPG in 09-10 and 47.5% from the field in 06-07.
Al Jefferson (Indiana Pacers)
Center/ 6’10/ 289 lbs/ Age: 31
Career stats: 16.3 PPG/ 8.8 RPG/ 1.3 BPG
2004-2007: Boston Celtics
2007-2010: Minnesota Timberwolves
2010-2013: Utah Jazz
2013-2016: Charlotte Bobcats/ Hornets
2016-present: Indiana Pacers
Big Al is a big shock that he has never made an all-star team and has only ever made an All-NBA Third Team in 2014. He has had three 20+/10+ seasons and when active has been one of the best scoring/ rebounding combos in the league. Jefferson has dealt with some injury issues but has also been snubbed several times and as the years go by the likelihood of Al becoming an all-star is getting slimmer.
DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers)
Center/ 6’11/ 265 lbs/ Age: 28
Career stats: 8.8 PPG/ 9.8 RPG/ 1.8 BPG
2008-present: Los Angeles Clippers
DeAndre is one of the biggest surprises on this list and you have to think it’s just a matter of time before he makes it to an all-star game. After starting his career off slow, Jordan has averaged no less than 13 rebounds a game over the last four seasons and is one of the most well-known big men in the league. DeAndre has been named to All-NBA First and Third Teams, two All-Defensive First Teams, and led the league in rebounds twice. If not this year, DeAndre has to be named an all-star sooner or later.
Jamal Crawford (Los Angeles Clippers)
Shooting guard/ 6’5/ 195 lbs/ Age: 36
Career stats: 15.4 PPG/ 86.2% FT%/ 34.9% 3P%
2000-2004: Chicago Bulls
2004-2008: New York Knicks
2008-2009: Golden State Warriors
2009-2011: Atlanta Hawks
2011-2012: Portland Trail Blazers
2012-present: Los Angeles Clippers
Possibly the greatest sixth man of all time, it’s tough to believe Crawford never snuck his way into an all-star game at least once in his successful career. Known for his lethal shooting and ankle breaking crossover, Crawford has been one of the best combo guards in the league over the past decade. As the only player to win Sixth Man of the Year award three times and sixth all time on the NBA’s three point list, Crawford has a lot to be proud about in his career regardless of his lack of all-star selections.
Mike Conley, Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Point guard/ 6’1/ 175 lbs/ Age: 29
Career stats: 13.7 PPG/ 5.6 APG/ 1.5 SPG
2007-present: Memphis Grizzlies
Another player that’s just a matter of time before they make it, Conley has been one of the most underrated guards in the NBA for the past few years. Regardless he currently holds the highest contract in NBA history regardless of never winning any awards at the NBA level. Although he will most likely not hold this record for long with the increase of salary cap over the next few years, Conley is still the cornerstone of the Memphis organization as a scoring/ assist machine.
Greg Monroe (Milwaukee Bucks)
Center/ 6’11/ 265 lbs/ Age: 26
Career stats: 14.2 PPG/ 9.2 RPG/ 1.1 SPG
2010-2015: Detroit Pistons
2015-present: Milwaukee Bucks
This one doesn’t come as a huge shock as Monroe is definitely very young and capable of making several all-star teams by the time he’s done. What was worth noting with him is how he was the face of the Detroit Pistons for a few years and put up very good stats having close to 16p/10r a season but never got a nod for the all-star team. A future all-star appearance is definitely on it’s way for Monroe if he can find his way back into the Bucks starting lineup where he has played as the sixth man for almost all his time there.
Jason Terry (Milwaukee Bucks)
Shooting guard/ 6’2/ 185 lbs/ Age: 39
Career stats: 14.1 PPG/ 4 APG/ 37.9% 3P%
1999-2004: Atlanta Hawks
2004-2012: Dallas Mavericks
2012-2013: Boston Celtics
2013-2014: Brooklyn Nets
2014-2016: Houston Rockets
2016-present: Milwaukee Bucks
Throughout JET’s successful eighteen year career, he has been one of the leagues’ most illustrious shooters. With his best season coming in 02-03 where he averaged 17.2 points and 7.4 assists, Terry has been known for his great durability where he barely missed time due to injuries and had nine seasons where he played 80+ games. Although he has never made the trip to the February classic, he has won a championship with Dallas, won Sixth Man of the Year, and is third on the NBA’s career three-pointers made list.
Tyreke Evans (New Orleans Pelicans)
Shooting guard/ 6’6/ 220 lbs/ Age: 27
Career stats: 16.5 PPG/ 4.9 RPG/ 5.3 APG
2009-2013: Sacramento Kings
2013-present: New Orleans Pelicans
After winning Rookie of the Year in the 09-10 season, Evans looked like he was well on his way to becoming one of the better players in the league. Injuries and lack of talent around him has made it difficult for Evans to become the stud he could’ve been. At only 27 years old, if Evans can find a way to stay healthy he will be able to find his way to the all-star game eventually.
Brandon Jennings (New York Knicks)
Point guard/ 6’1/ 170 lbs/ Age: 27
Career stats: 15.1 PPG/ 5.9 APG/ 3.1 RPG
2009-2013: Milwaukee Bucks
2013-2016: Detroit Pistons
2016: Orlando Magic
2016-present: New York Knicks
Brandon Jennings has been one of the NBA’s most interesting stories for his ability that he possesses when he can stay focused. He’s had a pretty up and down career so far showing glimpses of stardom and also stretches where the best he can contribute is as a role player. Jennings definitely has the ability to become one of the NBA’s top PGs but needs to become a more consistent shooter if he wants to take the next step into all-star caliber.
Serge Ibaka (Orlando Magic)
Power forward/ 6’10/ 235 lbs/ Age: 27
Career stats: 11.8 PPG/ 7.4 RPG/ 2.4 BPG
2009-2016: Oklahoma City Thunder
2016-present: Orlando Magic
Serge “IblockA” has been known around the league for his emphatic shot blocking ability throughout his career. The three time All-Defensive First Team selection hasn’t seen an all-star selection mainly due to his lack of scoring throughout his career. But Ibaka’s recent ability to hit the three ball has made him more of a scoring threat and a much better all around player. At only 27, Ibaka definitely has a future all-star selection in the midst.
Jeff Green (Orlando Magic)
Small forward/ 6’9/ 235 lbs/ Age: 30
Career stats: 13.7 PPG/ 4.8 RPG/ 1.6 APG
2007-2011: Seattle Supersonics/ Oklahoma City Thunder
2011-2015: Boston Celtics
2015-2016: Memphis Grizzlies
2016: Los Angeles Clippers
2016-present: Orlando Magic
One of the most heart warming stories in basketball, Green missed the entire 2011-12 season due to an illness that required heart surgery. Green bounced back and continued his lockdown defense ability and added scoring. Green has never been one of the leagues top players but was a main piece of the Celtics team during his tenure there. Green is mainly a role player now and doesn’t seem like he will become an all-star caliber player, but definitely has his upside.
Eric Bledsoe (Phoenix Suns)
Point guard/ 6’1/ 205 lbs/ Age: 27
Career stats: 12.4 PPG/ 4.4 APG/ 1.4 SPG
2010-2013: Los Angeles Clippers
2013-present: Phoenix Suns
Ever since Bledsoe’s days as a Kentucky Wildcat, he never put up jaw dropping numbers but could always change a game with his athleticism, defense, and clutch shot making. His career started off slow in his first three years in L.A. but once he made the move to Phoenix to become the franchise player he blossomed. Although injuries have cut a couple of his seasons short, Bledsoe just keeps improving averaging almost 20 points the last two years and 6 assists. An all-star appearance is on it’s way for Bledsoe.
Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings)
Small forward/ 6’8/ 230 lbs/ Age: 30
Career stats: 18.4 PPG/ 5.9 RPG/ 1.3 SPG
2006-2013: Memphis Grizzlies
2013: Toronto Raptors
2013-present: Sacramento Kings
When I first decided to do this list one of the top guys I had in mind was Rudy Gay. This guy is the definition of what this article is all about, someone who has consistently good years but can never make it to an all-star team. Gay consistently throughout his career puts up close to 20 points per game, around 6 rebounds, and at least 1 steal. He is also a player who has not had many injury problems throughout his career but was cursed with playing in the Western Conference which, due to all the talent, is almost impossible to make the all-star team if you’re not Steph Curry, KD, Westbrook, etc. Just another reason why the rosters for each all-star team should be expanded.
Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz)
Small forward/ 6’8/ 226 lbs/ Age: 26
Career stats: 15 PPG/ 4.1 RPG/ 3.4 APG
2010-present: Utah Jazz
Another example of a guy who gets overlooked due to the conference he plays in, we have Gordon Hayward. For a few years now, Hayward has been the cornerstone to this rapidly improving Jazz team and has average at leat 19 points over the last three seasons. Since Gordon is still only 26 I really hope he gets selected very soon and I think it may even be this year.
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