ESPN’s too-early NBA All-Star predictions leaves out Kings on starters, reserves list
Dec 13, 2023, 10:29 AM
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 19: De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is drafted by Team LeBron James prior to the 2023 NBA All Star Game between Team Giannis and Team LeBron at Vivint Arena on February 19, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
ESPN’s too-early NBA All-Star game predictions the reigning Clutch Player of the Year could be the lone All-Star representing the Sacramento Kings in Indianapolis.
Senior writer Kevin Pelton lists De’Aaron Fox as a wildcard to make the All-Star game roster. His backcourt starters are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Stephen Curry, with reserves headlined by Luka Doncic and Devin Booker.
Through 17 games, Fox is averaging 29.5 points, shooting 38.1% from the three-point line, grabbing 4.5 rebounds and dishing out 6.4 assists.
Only Gilgeous-Alexander (15.5 PPG) is scoring more on drives than Fox (15.3), and not by much. Fox’s improvement as a shooter (he’s making 3.0 3s per game, nearly double last season’s average) has made him even more difficult to contain one-on-one. Sacramento’s collapse during Fox’s brief absence made it clear he’s the most important factor in its success rather than three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN
Last year, the Kings sent Fox and center Domantas Sabonis to Salt Lake City, but neither was a first option. Center Domantas Sabonis was named a reserve and NBA commission Adam Silber later named Fox to his first All-Star game as an injury replacement.
READ MORE FROM SACTOWN SPORTS: NBA announces Golden State Warriors will host 2025 All-Star game
Voting has not yet opened for the 2024 All-Star game, but when it does, fans will have until Jan. 31, to cast their ballot. This year, the NBA returns to its classic East vs West format with traditional scoring. Twelve players from each conference will be selected.
Upcoming schedule for the Sacramento Kings
- Thursday, Dec. 14th – Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7 p.m. PST
- Saturday, Dec. 16th – Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz – 7 p.m. PST
- Monday, Dec. 18th – Sacramento Kings vs. Washington Wizards – 7 p.m. PST
- Wednesday, Dec. 20th – Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics – 7 p.m. PST
- Friday, Dec. 22nd – Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns – 7 p.m. PST
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