It won't be this year for Victor Wembanyama.
The San Antonio Spurs interior, brilliant for his first season in the NBA, was not selected for the All-Star Game (February 18 in Indianapolis).
The 20-year-old was not chosen by the coaches to be among the substitutes, although the starters were revealed last week after a public vote.
The full squads were announced on Thursday and consist of twelve players each.
The match pits the best elements of the Eastern Conference against those of the West.
Victor Wembanyama is shining individually this season – averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 42 games – but his team is last in the Western Conference.
A disappointing collective performance which undoubtedly cost him his place in the All-Star Game.
He will still participate in two events during this All-Star weekend (February 16 to 18): the Rising Stars Challenge, a match between the best players in their first or second season in the NBA, and the Skills Challenge, a skill test.
The 2024 #NBAAllStar Reserves!
WEST
Kawhi Leonard
Anthony Davis
Devin Booker
Anthony Edwards
Stephen Curry
Paul George
Karl-Anthony Towns
EAST
Jaylen Brown
Donovan Mitchell
Jalen Brunson
Bam Adebayo
Julius Randle
Tyrese Maxey
Paolo Banchero
— NBA (@NBA) February 2, 2024
Rudy Gobert may also be disappointed not to have been selected for the All-Star Game.
The 31-year-old pivot from Minnesota is having a high-level season.
His team ranks first in the Western Conference and the Frenchman could obtain the fourth title of best defender of the year of his career.
He has already honored three selections during the All-Star Game, in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Read alsoWhen Wemby and Coulibaly were partners in U13: “An adventure at the origin of their beautiful relationship”
This All-Star Game will be notably marked by a new record reached by LeBron James: the Lakers player obtained his twentieth selection for the event.
Several players are celebrating their first participation, Paolo Banchero (Orlando), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), Jelen Brunson (New York).
Team compositions:
Western Conference: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic - Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony-Towns, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry and Paul George (replacements).
Eastern Conference: Damian Lilliard, Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokunmpo, Joël Embiid - Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Julius Randle, Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Maxey and Jelen Brunson.