The 2023 NBA All-Star reserves were announced Thursday night to round out the roster for the game Feb. 19. With just 24 slots available, there are bound to be some stars that get left behind.
Namely, Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden, who didn’t make the cut for the All-Star Game in Salt Lake City despite averaging 21.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and what should be a league-best 11 assists per game.
Harden has appeared in 34 of Philly’s 50 games (68%), making him just short of the NBA’s statistical minimum to qualify for league leaderboards, which states that a player must appear in 70% of his team’s games.
As legendary football coach Bill Parcells famously proclaimed, the best ability is availability and that could have been a blemish on Harden’s All-Star résumé.
Read more: The 2023 NBA All-Snub team
The 2018 MVP and 10-time All-Star didn’t shy away from voicing his displeasure in not being selected for the game for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
James Harden’s IG story 👀 pic.twitter.com/nRnILd62xJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 3, 2023
Sixers star Joel Embiid, who headlines the reserves, questioned Harden’s absence along with teammates Tobias Harris and Georges Niang.
Y’all got some explaining to do @NBA
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) February 3, 2023
@JHarden13 ‼️‼️ https://t.co/aWGWJlBG5L
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) February 3, 2023
JAMES HARDEN @JHarden13 wow https://t.co/39CRM2PaBV
— Georges Niang (@GeorgesNiang20) February 3, 2023