The final 2023-24 NBA awards and accolades were given out when the league announced the 2023-24 All-NBA teams on Wednesday night. Unlike previous seasons, where two guards, two forwards, and a center were on each of the three All-NBA teams, this year's selections were made without factoring in positions. Still, only 15 players get to receive this distinction every season, which means there are always going to be snubs when it comes to the All-NBA voting.
This year was no different, as a few deserving players were not included on the All-NBA list, which directly impacts their contractual situations when they look to agree to new deals or extensions with their team. Whether or not awards and accolades voted on by the media, who are always biased, should determine how much players make has long been a topic of discussion in the NBA.
While there is certainly a level of bias that exists with media members picking who gets to receive All-NBA honors, it turned out to be a tough decision for many as to who would be left off the list this time around.
Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo were always going to be locks for the All-NBA First Team. It was also a forgone conclusion that LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry would make one of the three teams as well. With rising stars such as Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards also locking up their spots, there was very little room for all of those that were deserving to receive recognition.
Once again, NBA fans are left shaking their heads, wondering what else each of the following players needed to do in order to avoid being All-NBA snubs.
Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
There is no denying that this was a special season for Victor Wembanyama. The 2024 first overall pick dominated virtually every matchup throw his way, and Wemby made history by becoming the first rookie in league history to make the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The French phenom's defensive abilities are what really stood out over the course of the 2023-24 season. Wembanyama led the league with 3.6 blocks per game, joining Manute Bol (1985-86) as the only other rookie to lead the NBA in blocks during his rookie season.
In a total of 71 games, all of which Wembanyama started, the rookie averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 46.5 percent from the floor. He was only one of four players to average at least 20 points and double-digit rebounds over the course of the season, joining the likes of Jokic, Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis. These three players earned All-NBA honors, but Wembanyama did not.
Of course, the fact that the San Antonio Spurs finished with only 22 wins factors into the decision to leave Wembanyama off the All-NBA list. Then again, if he is one of the best 15 players in the league, his team's overall performance shouldn't impact his individual achievements on the court. The 2023-24 season could turn out to be the only year in which Wembanyama fails to make the All-NBA list.
De'Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings
Only seven players in the league averaged more points per game than De'Aaron Fox this season. In fact, every player except Fox that ranked inside the top 10 in scoring ended up making one of the three All-NBA teams. One year after being named to the All-NBA Third Team for the first time in his career, Fox increased his scoring average from 25.0 points to 26.6 points per game for the Sacramento Kings. His 2.0 steals per game average was also tied with Gilgeous-Alexander for the league lead.
The Kings finished with a 46-36 record, failing to make the playoffs via the play-in tournament. The main reason why this team was even in a position to potentially make the playoffs was because of Fox's heroics, which is why it is a little surprising that he was once again an All-NBA snub. After all, Curry made the list despite finishing below Fox in scoring and the standings in the Western Conference.
The 2023-24 season ended up being the best of Fox's career, yet nobody outside of Sacramento wants to recognize his achievements. When the Kings finished third in the conference with 48 wins last year, everyone was praising the organization and their players. Now, because the Kings finished with two fewer wins and did not make the playoffs, they are once again nothing more than an afterthought around the league.
Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Much like Edwards and Brunson, Tyrese Maxey had a breakout, superstar-like season for the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, Edwards and Brunson were given All-NBA nods, but Maxey was not. 2022-23 NBA MVP Joel Embiid went down with a meniscus injury near the end of January and did not return until the start of April. For over two months, Maxey was the face of the Sixers, and he kept them in a position to contend for a playoff spot.
In 70 games, Maxey averaged a career-high 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the floor and 37.3 percent from three-point range. He was only one of six players this season to average at least 25 points per game and make at least 200 triples, joining Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox, and Jalen Brunson.
Maxey was a first-time All-Star this season, and he was the recipient of the 2023-24 NBA Most Improved Player Award. The main reason why he ended up as a snub on the All-NBA list is due to the plethora of great guards in this league. Although positionless, the All-NBA list featured a total of seven guards, all of whom were All-Stars this season. Maxey being the No. 2 option for the Sixers is likely the reason for voters leaving him off the ballot this year, despite his high scoring numbers.
Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were the best team in the NBA this season at 64-18. Not only did Tatum play a huge role in their success, but Jaylen Brown continued to thrive in his No. 2 role as an All-Star himself. After making his first All-NBA appearance last season, Brown's overall usage decreased during the 2023-24 season as a result of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday commanding the Celtics' offense at times. Derrick White's emergence also played a role in Brown's scoring decline.
Still, the All-Star wing averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 49.9 percent from the floor. More importantly, Brown continued to prove that he is one of the better two-way players in the entire league. While it wasn't expected that Brown would make the All-NBA list this season, he is still classified as a snub because he is a proven All-Star in this league that helped the Celtics achieve the NBA's best record.
Damian Lillard – Milwaukee Bucks
In his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard struggled to really assert himself on a daily basis. Then again, he still averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 35.4 percent from three-point range. Lillard was tied for 17th in the league in 30-point games this season, scoring at least 30 points in 20 different games.
Lillard has made the All-NBA list seven different times in his career, but he has now failed to achieve this accolade for the second time in the last three seasons. Again, like Brown, Lillard's case for All-NBA wasn't as strong as others. While he certainly ranked inside the top portion of players this season, Lillard's bid for this recognition was more about who he is than who he was this season.
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