The Biggest Snub: Why MVP Candidate Victor Wembanyama Missed Out on All-Star Starting Honors

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game starters have been officially announced, and as always, the release of these names has sparked debates across the basketball world. For the Western Conference, the lineup includes Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference features Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

As is tradition, discussions about who deserved to make the cut but didn’t have emerged, and this year, one name stands above the rest: Victor Wembanyama. Despite delivering an MVP-level season, the 20-year-old San Antonio Spurs phenom finds himself on the outside looking in when it comes to the starting five.

Wembanyama’s Stellar Sophomore Season

Victor Wembanyama has been nothing short of extraordinary in his second NBA season. Through 37 games, the towering Frenchman has averaged 24.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 4.0 blocks per game. These numbers place him among the league’s elite: 15th in scoring, 8th in rebounding, and 1st in blocks. His efficiency has also improved notably, with shooting splits of 47.7% from the field, 35.4% from beyond the arc, and 84.5% from the free-throw line, resulting in a true shooting percentage of 59.5%—a significant jump from last season’s 56.5%.

Wembanyama’s dominance has only grown as the season has progressed. After a slow start in his first 10 games, he found his groove and began delivering consistently stellar performances. Over his last 28 games, Wembanyama has elevated his averages to 26.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 4.0 blocks per game, with improved shooting splits of 49.2%/37.3%/82.1%.

Beyond individual stats, Wembanyama’s impact on the Spurs is undeniable. Last season, the team managed just 22 wins. This year, they’ve already achieved a 20-22 record, good for 12th in the Western Conference. While they are still outside the playoff picture, they’re only 3.5 games behind the 5th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. With Wembanyama leading the charge, the Spurs are showing real postseason potential.

His on/off impact is staggering:

• With Wembanyama on the court, the Spurs outscore opponents by 4.4 points per 100 possessions.
• Without him, they are outscored by 8.8 points per 100 possessions.

His +13.2 on/off rating ranks third among all players in the NBA, trailing only MVP frontrunners Nikola Jokic (+22.2) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+18.6).

Entering the MVP Conversation

At just 20 years old, Wembanyama has already inserted himself into MVP discussions—a feat almost unheard of for a player this young. He has consistently appeared in the 4th-to-6th range on recent MVP rankings, firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s most impactful players. His dual dominance on offense and defense has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s all-time greats, and his potential seems limitless.

With Luka Doncic and Joel Embiid sidelined due to injuries, Wembanyama’s chances of securing a spot on the All-NBA First Team have also significantly increased.

Why He Missed Out on All-Star Starter Honors

Despite his remarkable season, Wembanyama was unable to secure a starting spot in the All-Star Game. To understand why, it’s essential to examine the selection criteria.

Under the current voting system, fan votes account for 50% of the decision, while media and player votes make up 25% each. While Wembanyama received significant recognition from the media—ranking second among Western Conference frontcourt players—his fan and player vote totals left him in fourth place, behind LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic.

Losing out to these three legends is hardly a slight. LeBron is one of the greatest players in NBA history, Durant is an offensive juggernaut, and Jokic is a two-time MVP who is widely regarded as the best player in the league right now.

Ultimately, All-Star voting isn’t solely about current performance—it also factors in legacy, experience, and popularity. While Wembanyama’s talent is undeniable, he’s still building his résumé and global fanbase.

A Future Supernova

Wembanyama’s exclusion from the All-Star starting lineup should not overshadow what has been an extraordinary season. He is already playing at a level that few can match, and his trajectory points to a future where All-Star starts, MVP awards, and championships become routine.

For now, fans can take solace in knowing that Wembanyama is on his way to becoming one of the NBA’s brightest stars. It’s only a matter of time before his name becomes synonymous with greatness.

As for the All-Star Game, Wembanyama will undoubtedly still make his presence felt as a reserve. And if his current form is any indication, he’s poised to put on a show that reminds everyone why he’s a generational talent.

For the 2025 All-Star Game, the starters may have been set, but Victor Wembanyama has already made his mark—and his journey is just beginning.