Luka Doncic fails to make the 2019 All-Star game

Despite his third place finish with fan votes and his high ranking in the final tally of both media and player votes, the NBA coaches did not select Luka Doncic as a reserve for the Western Conference NBA All Stars.

Making the roster in a star studded West seemed a tall order, yet with sheer intensity of the aforementioned votes paired with how well Doncic has played in his inaugural season, an All-Star nod seemed extremely likely.

Instead the coaches opted to lean into the legacy selections, none more obvious than Klay Thompson, who’s really only rounded into form within the last month. LaMarcus Aldridge is a boring pick for a solid team but he’s certainly not the kind of player fans tune into an All Star game for. Russell Westbrook’s a fascinating player who is putting up volume on horrendous efficiency.

With Rudy Gobert, Tobias Harris and De’Aaron Fox, each the best player on a potential playoff team, also getting left off, Doncic has plenty of company should there be any injury replacements for either Lebron James, Anthony Davis, or both.

Despite the snub, the NBA will have trouble keeping Doncic off the All-Star final roster again next season. With Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki already signed up to participate in the Rising Stars game and each being a big part of All Star Saturday, the weekend won’t be short on Maverick participation.