NBA All-Star snubs for 2025 include Kyrie Irving and Trae Young

Several star players were left off the NBA All-Star roster despite strong performances.

Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks embrace after their game at State Farm Arena on November 25, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

The NBA announced its All-Star reserves on Thursday night, finalizing the rosters for the Eastern and Western Conferences ahead of next month’s showcase in San Francisco. While the selections honored some of the league’s top talents, they also left out several notable players who had strong cases to make the team.

Every year, the final roster spots spark debate, as deserving players miss out due to a razor-thin margin or the subjective preferences of coaches and media members. This year is no different, with multiple All-Star-caliber performances going unrecognized.

So, who were the biggest NBA All-Star snubs in 2025? Here’s a breakdown of the most surprising omissions, ranked from the most egregious to the least.

Kyrie Irving – G, Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 24.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 48.2% FG, 42.2% 3PT

Irving has been the stabilizing force for a Dallas Mavericks team that has struggled with injuries all season. Despite Luka Dončić missing significant time and center Dereck Lively II playing in only 32 games, the Mavericks remain competitive in the Western Conference, holding a 26-22 record.

Irving has been instrumental in keeping Dallas afloat, providing consistent scoring and shooting a career-best 42.2% from three. When he plays, the Mavericks are 23-15, showcasing his impact on the team.

Given his past All-Star experience and the high level of play he’s maintained, his exclusion from this year’s event is puzzling, especially considering the number of Western Conference guards who made the cut with comparable stats.

Tyrese Maxey – G, Philadelphia 76ers

Stats: 27.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT

Maxey has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a turbulent season for the Philadelphia 76ers. With Joel Embiid and Paul George missing extended time, Maxey has stepped up as the team’s primary scorer and playmaker, ranking fifth in the league in points per game.

Despite injuries depleting the roster, the Sixers remain in the playoff hunt, largely due to Maxey’s efforts. Philadelphia’s offensive production improves significantly when he’s on the court, yet he was left off the All-Star roster in favor of players with lesser statistical impact.

Domantas Sabonis – F, Sacramento Kings

Stats: 21.0 PPG, 14.6 RPG, 6.5 APG, 60.9% FG, 48.1% 3PT

Sabonis continues to be one of the league’s most underrated stars. The Sacramento Kings’ big man leads the NBA in rebounding and is one of the most well-rounded forwards in the game. Despite averaging over 20 points, nearly 15 rebounds, and six assists per game, he was once again left off the All-Star roster.

The Kings have been fighting for playoff positioning in a deep Western Conference, and Sabonis remains their anchor on both ends of the floor. His exclusion likely comes down to the stacked competition in the West’s frontcourt, but his numbers and impact suggest he deserved a spot.

Trae Young – G, Atlanta Hawks

Stats: 22.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 11.4 APG, 40.2% FG, 34.2% 3PT

Young leads the league in assists, yet he didn’t make the All-Star team. That fact alone makes his omission one of the biggest snubs of the year.

While his shooting efficiency has dipped, Young remains one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NBA. He has been the engine of Atlanta’s offense, and the Hawks have improved from last year, currently sitting just three games below .500.

However, Young’s struggles on the defensive end may have contributed to his exclusion. Coaches often prioritize two-way players when making reserve selections, and Young’s defensive shortcomings have long been a concern.

Devin Booker – G, Phoenix Suns

Stats: 25.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 44.1% FG, 34.2% 3PT

Booker missing the All-Star Game feels shocking, given his reputation and previous performances. However, his case this year was weaker than in seasons past.

While his scoring remains strong, Booker’s shooting efficiency has taken a hit, and his overall impact hasn’t been as dominant as usual. The Suns have struggled with consistency, sitting just ninth in the West, and with Kevin Durant earning an All-Star nod, the team was unlikely to get a second selection.

Still, Booker remains one of the most talented guards in the league, and his absence from the All-Star roster is notable.

Jarrett Allen – C, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 13.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 70.2% FG

The Cleveland Cavaliers boast one of the best records in the Eastern Conference, yet Allen was the only member of their core four to be left out of the All-Star Game.

His numbers may not jump off the page, but Allen has been a crucial part of Cleveland’s success. He provides elite rim protection, rebounds at a high level, and plays an integral role in the team’s dominant half-court offense and improved defense.

With Cleveland sitting atop the East standings, it’s surprising that Allen wasn’t rewarded with an All-Star nod.

Josh Hart – F, New York Knicks

Stats: 13.9 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 55.5% FG

Hart has been a key piece for the New York Knicks, contributing across multiple areas of the game. He rebounds like a big man, defends at a high level, and provides efficient scoring when needed.

While the Knicks already had All-Stars selected, Hart’s all-around impact made him a potential candidate for a third representative from New York. His ability to fill multiple roles has been invaluable for the team, but ultimately, he fell short in a competitive Eastern Conference field.

LaMelo Ball – G, Charlotte Hornets

Stats: 28.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 41.9% FG, 33.7% 3PT

Ball is averaging over 28 points per game, but his numbers come on a struggling Hornets team with one of the worst records in the league. While he’s putting up career-best stats, efficiency concerns and Charlotte’s poor standing likely worked against him in All-Star voting.

Despite his impressive scoring output, Ball’s high turnover rate and volume-heavy shooting may have deterred voters from selecting him. Still, his individual performance has been worthy of recognition.

Honorable Mentions

Other notable players who were left out include:

Norman Powell (LA Clippers, G/F)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers, G)
Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls, G)
Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic, F)
Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors, F)
OG Anunoby (New York Knicks, F)
Jalen Green (Houston Rockets, G)

As always, the All-Star selection process leaves some deserving players on the outside looking in. While these players may have missed out on an All-Star nod, their performances continue to make a strong impact in the NBA.