Pascal Siakam was skipped over.
The NBA announced Thursday night that the Toronto Raptors would not be featured at the NBA All-Star game this season, just the second time in the past ten years. Siakam was not chosen as an All-Star reserve by NBA coaches despite having been anticipated to travel to Salt Lake City later this month.
Along with Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, DeMar DeRozan, Jaylen Brown, Bam Adebayo, Tyrese Haliburton, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, and Jrue Holiday have earned a position as reserves from the East.
Paul George, Lauri Markkanen, Shai Gligeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Domantas Sabonis, and Damian Lillard were all recognized for their achievements in the West. Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Zion Williamson, and Nikola Jokic will be there.
Josh Lewenberg noted that if Siakam’s numbers continue, he will be the first player in the previous 25 years to average 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while missing the All-Star Game.
“Pascal Siakam will become the first player in NBA history to score at least 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists and not be selected for the All-Star Game, assuming he keeps up his current rate.”
Despite being named to the third team of the All-NBA last year, Siakam did not advance to the All-Star game. He helped Toronto reach the playoffs by averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Siakam was soundly defeated by Toronto’s 23-30 record this season. This season, no players from the NBA’s lowest six teams were chosen to play in the All-Star game.