The 2023 NBA All-Star reserves were announced on Thursday night, and there weren’t too many surprises. I mean, obviously, guys like Joel Embiid and Ja Morant earned their spots. But, at the same time, there will usually be some fervor over players who “deserved” the honor and those who didn’t amongst the notable snubs. (Uh, Jalen Brunson? Hello?)
Though, with everyone in the account, the most shocking superstar left off the constellation of All-Stars might have been the Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden. Harden is, of course, Embiid’s primary running mate for a Philadelphia locked in a battle at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. And the guard has been an efficient, distributive machine, averaging 21.4 points, 11 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Evidently, this line for a contender somehow wasn’t enough for Harden to garner his 11th career All-Star selection. This was how he responded on Instagram:
James Harden’s IG story 👀 pic.twitter.com/nRnILd62xJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 3, 2023
To say the least: the NBA world was unhappy seeing Harden not rewarded for his tremendous efforts thus far.
NBA fans were astonished Harden was left off the 2023 NBA All-Star Game roster
JAMES HARDEN @JHarden13 wow https://t.co/39CRM2PaBV
— Georges Niang (@GeorgesNiang20) February 3, 2023
James Harden is averaging 21 & 11 as the second option of a top-4 team in the NBA and did not make the All-Star game.
I stand by the statement that James Harden is the most under appreciated superstar of all time. I just pray that he finally gets his flowers when he retires.
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) February 3, 2023
@JHarden13 ‼️‼️ https://t.co/aWGWJlBG5L
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) February 3, 2023
James Harden missing the all star game while leading the NBA in assists on an efficient 21.4 PPG is absurd… https://t.co/flOvKHCWRw pic.twitter.com/VTjOT8tyS1
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) February 3, 2023
I love Jrue Holiday. He’s one of the most underrated and under-appreciated point guards in years. He’s excellent on both sides of the ball. But there’s absolutely no way he should have made the All Star team over @JHarden13.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) February 3, 2023
James Harden got robbed. He really didn’t make the All-Star game averaging these numbers… pic.twitter.com/ka9WYwdtmL
— َ (@FeelLikeDrew) February 3, 2023
I probably wouldn’t have left Joel Embiid out of my starters, but I think the outrage about it was probably a bit much.
To me, James Harden not being a reserve is far more ludicrous.
21.4 / 11.0 / 6.4 per game on 61.9 TS% is not just All-Star level, but also All-NBA level IMO. https://t.co/ZixtAAszEg
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) February 3, 2023
2023 James Harden is one of the best players EVER to not make the all-star game.
How many players in NBA history have averaged 21-11 on 62 TS%? On a top team at that.
— 𝐇 𝐨 𝐨 𝐩 𝐕 𝐞 𝐧 𝐮 𝐞 (@KGsGOAT) February 3, 2023
James Harden not being an all-star is one of the most horrific decisions I have seen.
He should have been a starter.
— Ian Quinn (@ianpagequinn) February 3, 2023
James Harden isn’t an All-Star. What a joke.
— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) February 3, 2023
Some of those Eastern Conference All-Star picks are wild. No James Harden?
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) February 3, 2023
