Raptors fans aren't happy about Siakam's NBA All-Star snub

Feb 3 2023, 4:31 pm

Pascal Siakam wonā€™t be suiting up to play in the NBA All-Star Game in Utah, and the Toronto Raptors faithful couldnā€™t be more frustrated.

Siakam, having one of his best seasons to date, has averaged 24.9 points, eight rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 47% through just over half of the campaign.

The Raptors will still have at least one representative at the All-Star festivities, however, with Scottie Barnes taking part in the Rising Stars Challenge. Former Raptor, and current Chicago Bull, Demar DeRozan is heading to Utah as a reserve player selected by NBA coaches.

Meanwhile, Hamilton-native Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned his first NBA All-Star nod, becoming the fourth Canadian to do so.

None of it is much solace to Raptors fans, though.

Even 2022 All-Star selection Fred VanVleet wasnā€™t too pleased with Siakamā€™s All-Star exclusion.

ā€œPascal Siakam is the first player in NBA history to average 25+ PTS, 8+ REB and 6+ AST to miss the All-Star Game,ā€ tweeted Twitter user @PascalFanClub, while others called the snub a ā€œrobberyā€ of the Raptors’ top player this season.

The Utah Jazz host the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 19, one day after the Skills Competition on Saturday, February 18.

The Celebrity Game is on Friday, February 17, as is the Rising Stars Game.

Here is a list of the NBA stars participating in the All-Star Game:

Eastern Conference starters

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – Captain
Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets)

Eastern Conference reserves

Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls)
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)
Julius Randle (New York Knicks)

Western Conference starters

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – Captain
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)

Western Conference reserves

Paul George (LA Clippers)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)

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