NBA: 3 biggest snubs from the 2022 All-Star teams

All-star snub #2: Pascal Siakam

It seemed unlikely from the start for Pascal Siakam to receive an all-star bid considering the Toronto Raptors’ record, but let’s look beyond wins and losses. Siakam has been attempting to shake a negative reputation ever since his disappointing playoff performances in the bubble – he’s a much better player than he gets credit for.

Averaging 21 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 47.4 percent shooting, the power forward has made strides in multiple aspects of his offensive game. He has the ability to both score off the dribble and in the post and is continuing to improve his vision as a passer, recording a career-high in assists this season.

The Raptors were set to undergo another rebuilding year, progressively building up their young core around Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby, but the tandem of Siakam and Fred VanVleet has moved them into serious playoff contention. They currently sit just 4.5 games back of first place in the East, coming off an impressive overtime victory against the conference’s No. 1 seed, the Chicago Bulls.

When Siakam’s on the floor, the Raptors support a +9.1 net rating, good enough for the 89th percentile of all players in the league. He’s established himself as a legitimate threat on both ends of the floor, clearly deserving of an all-star selection.

Who Pascal Siakam should replace: Khris Middleton

A similar case to Jarrett Allen, Pascal Siakam is simply a better frontcourt option than Khris Middleton. Just because the Bucks have a few more wins in the standings doesn’t mean they deserve another all-star.

Siakam is averaging more points and rebounds on a better FG% while having Middleton beat in on/off statistics, PER, and overall win shares.

When watching both of them play, Siakam clearly has the bigger impact on the court.

Give him the nod over Middleton.