Josh Giddey cops NBA All-Star snub as LeBron James extends ridiculous selection record
LeBron James is an All-Star again, extending his record streak of selections, but there was no room for Australia's Josh Giddey on the reserves list announced on Monday.
James was a pick for the 22nd consecutive year, one of 14 players who were announced as reserves for the mid-season showcase later this month.
The 41-year-old is the All-Star record holder in a number of categories but was not chosen as a starter this season in the process that includes voting from fans, media and other players, with NBA coaches choosing the reserves.
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LeBron James brings the ball up court. Getty
While the veteran Los Angeles Lakers superstar did earn selection, Australia's Giddey wasn't as lucky after being overlooked for the Eastern Conference team.
Giddey has been a standout for the Chicago Bulls this season, averaging 18.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, but was unable to force his way into the reserves list.
The 26-year-old from Melbourne hasn't featured in the All-Star format since bursting onto the scene with the Oklahoma City Thunder five years ago.
Josh Giddey. Getty
He was named in the NBA All-Rookie second team in 2022.
The reserves from the Eastern Conference will be Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, New York's Karl-Anthony Towns, Indiana's Pascal Siakam, Toronto's Scottie Barnes, Detroit's Jalen Duren, Miami's Norman Powell and Atlanta's Jalen Johnson.
From the Western Conference, along with James, will be Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, Denver's Jamal Murray, Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren, Houston's Kevin Durant, Phoenix's Devin Booker and Portland's Deni Avdija.
Devin Booker. Denver Post via Getty Images
The starters were announced last month, headlined by Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Steph Curry (Warriors), Luka Doncic (Lakers), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons).
Antetokounmpo will miss a few weeks with a calf injury, so it would seem unlikely that he plays. NBA boss Adam Silver would pick a replacement if he pulls out.
