The NBA announced the 2023 All-Star reserves for the Eastern and Western Conferences. While some of the usual faces made it to the team, there are also those who took part in the famous event for the first time.
The Eastern All-Star reserves were the first to speak. Several players were snubbed for being named an All-Star this season. James Harden, Jalen Brunson and Zach LaVine failed to make the team heading to Utah. With that said, here are the reserves that make up the Eastern All-Star team.
There were a few surprises for the Western Conference All-Stars who made it to the All-Star reserves in 2023. However, players like De’Aaron Fox, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards were not included in the combine. The surprise player to make the team was Jaren Jackson Jr., who made his first All-Star appearance for the Memphis Grizzlies.
2023 NBA All-Star Reserve: First Players
This season has been exciting for many of the league’s stars. This is why it is an honor for some players to be named an All-Star this season. This year’s campaign features famous faces who will be participating in the All-Star Game this month. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the players who have been named NBA All-Star reserves for the first time in their careers in 2023.
Tyrese Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers found a gem when they decided to trade Domantas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton. The trade appears to have paid off as Haliburton leads the team to a possible playoff appearance. He is averaging 20.2 points and 10.2 assists for the Pacers this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been incredible for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Even though his team doesn’t win as much, SGA can still impress critics and other players around the league. Shai is averaging 30.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season.
In Jackson Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies will send two players to Utah this season to participate in the 72nd All-Star Game. Jaren Jackson Jr. he will join Ja Morant after an impressive first half of the season. JJJ is also the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after the 2022-23 NBA season.
Drafted as the 4th overall pick in 2018 out of Michigan State, @jarenjacksonjr is averaging 16.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 3.3 BPG for the Grizzlies this season.
Laura Markkanen
The Utah Jazz will not be without a representative this season as Lauri Markkanen will be playing in his first All-Star Game this season. He has been impressive since the beginning of the season for the Jazz. The Finn is averaging 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds this season, which is enough for him to be an All-Star.
The 2023 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 19 and will feature a ton of star power.
Also read: NBA All-Star Game 2023: What is the process for selecting the coaches of both teams?