The NBA All-Star weekend is right around the corner, and there’s a noticeable sense of excitement building up for the event. The NBA All-Star weekend is scheduled to take place from 16th February to 18th February, with the All-Star game slated for 18th February at the Pacers’ Gainbridge FieldHouse. Some of the best players of the 2023/24 season will participate in the All-Star game.

However, Sixers’ star Joel Embiid and Knicks’ star Julius Randle will miss the proceedings due to knee and shoulder injuries, respectively. Fans have been curious about the replacements for the two All-Stars for some time, but now the mystery has been solved.

According to The Athletics’ Shams Charania, “Atlanta’s Trae Young and Toronto’s Scottie Barnes have replaced Joel Embiid and Julius Randle on the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star team.”

Do Trae Young and Scottie Barnes deserve an All-Star selection?

Both Trae Young and Scottie Barnes deserve to play in the All-Star game. Many fans feel that they should have been selected as reserves in the first place. While the Atlanta Hawks have struggled this season, Trae Young is having a historic season, statistically. He currently averages 27.3 points and 10.9 assists per game this season, a statistical achievement matched only by Oscar Robertson (five times), Tiny Archibald (1972-73), James Harden (2016-17), and Russell Westbrook (2016-17).

Young currently ranks 8th in the NBA in points, 2nd in assists, and 7th in both steals and minutes per game. He also ranks 4th in three-pointers made this season, with 154 made three-pointers. His inclusion in the All-Star game will mark his third appearance in the event within six seasons.

Scottie Barnes is also having an exceptional 2023/24 season. He averages career-highs of 20.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 35 minutes of playing time this season. Scottie is one of only two players in the league this season to achieve at least 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, 250 assists, 50 blocks, and 50 steals, with the other player being 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Barnes, the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year (ROY), will make his All-Star debut on 18th February.

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With Raptors GM Masai Ujiri trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, Barnes has become the face of the Raptors’ franchise. Fans of the Raptors hope that this is the first of many All-Star appearances for Scottie Barnes. Which other deserved candidates missed out on All-Star selection? Let us know in the comments below!

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