In a surprising turn of events, Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker finds himself on the outside looking in at this year’s NBA All-Star Game. Despite putting up MVP-caliber numbers of 25.5 points and 6.7 assists per game, Booker was not selected as a reserve by the coaches. The snub has reignited discussions about expanding All-Star rosters, and Booker is leading the charge for change.
Time for Larger All-Star Teams?
Since the 2020-21 season, NBA teams have been allowed to carry 15 players on their active rosters. However, the All-Star Game has not followed suit, still capping each conference’s squad at just 12 players. Booker believes this needs to change:
I think there’s enough talented guys out here that are deserving. The more talent in there, the better I think.
– Devin Booker
He’s not alone in this sentiment. Several other high-profile snubs like LaMelo Ball, Kyrie Irving, and Trae Young are putting up All-Star numbers but were left off the team. Their absences have many questioning if 12 roster spots are still enough to recognize the league’s best players.
A League of Increasing Talent
The NBA is more talented than ever before. Young stars are making immediate impacts, while veteran players are extending their primes with better training and health management. As a result, the number of players performing at an All-Star level seems to grow each year.
Just look at some of the notable omissions based on scoring this season:
- LaMelo Ball – 28.2 ppg (4th in NBA)
- Devin Booker – 25.5 ppg (13th)
- Trae Young – 22.5 ppg (20th)
Then there are players like Domantas Sabonis who are stuffing the stat sheet in other ways. The Kings big man is averaging a league-high 14.5 rebounds plus 20.9 points and 6.6 assists. But apparently that wasn’t enough to secure a spot.
Expanding Rosters Makes Sense
Matching the All-Star roster size to the regular season limit of 15 players per team is a logical move. It would ensure the league’s marquee exhibition showcases all of its true stars, not just a limited subset. More players getting the All-Star recognition they deserve would be a win for everyone.
For the snubbed players, the chance to still participate in All-Star weekend would be significant. Many have bonuses tied to All-Star selections in their contracts. The honor of being named an All-Star also carries weight for legacies and Hall of Fame resumes.
From a fan perspective, who wouldn’t want to see more of the NBA’s best and brightest sharing the court together? An increase in star power would only make the All-Star Game more entertaining and competitive.
Time for the NBA to Evolve
The NBA is a progressive league that prides itself on being at the forefront of positive changes in sports. In recent years, we’ve seen the play-in tournament and in-season tournament added to spice up the regular season. Now it’s time for the All-Star Game format to evolve too.
Adding roster spots is an easy adjustment that would have a major impact. It’s a move that many players are already publicly backing. The chorus of support from stars like Booker should be a clear sign to the league that this is a change worth making.
As Booker said, the All-Star Game is meant to showcase the best of the best. And right now, with just 12 roster spots per conference, too many deserving players are being left out. It’s time to expand the All-Star rosters and let the full array of the NBA’s elite stars shine on the league’s brightest stage.