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Kangz-era dramatics and the enduring debates over which of the Sacramento Kings’ two stars are better potentially ended Domantas Sabonis’ All-Star candidacy before it could ever get off the ground. That’s disappointing—to say the least.
For good measure, here is every player to ever average at least 20 points and five assists while being within one point of Sabonis’ true shooting percentage:
- Kevin Durant (2022-23)
- Nikola Jokic (2022-23)
- Stephen Curry (2017-18)
That is the entire list. And that is bonkers.
Dismissing Sabonis’ case because of Sacramento’s record (and, again, Kangz-ing) might fly if this were an MVP debate. It’s not. All-Star selections have more to do with individual brilliance.
Yet, Sabonis’ on-court impact also exists beneath the radar. The Kings are outscoring opponents when he plays by 5.9 points per 100 possessions (including a plus-6.8 without Fox). That net rating plunges when Sabonis steps off by 14.9 points—the sixth-largest swing in the league among everyone who’s played at least 500 minutes.
Quibble about Sabonis’ defense and playoff utility all you like. He is among the most impactful regular-season players, if not in general then certainly this season. And he easily could have, probably should have, been included over Alperen Şengün or James Harden.
Honorable Western Conference Mention: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers
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