Who Were the Biggest Snubs from the 2019 All-NBA Team?

When the All-NBA teams were announced for the 2019 season, it became evident that the choice of who made the team and who didn't sparked numerous discussions and debates. Among the positional snubs, one particular position often caught the attention of many basketball fans: the shooting guards (SGs). This article delves into the most significant snubs in the SG category during the 2019 season, analyzing their performances and the reasons behind their exclusion from the team.

The All-NBA Team and the Shooting Guard Position

The All-NBA team is a prestigious honor bestowed upon the top players in the NBA. Each team consists of five players, selected by a panel of media representatives, highlighting the best players in their position. In the 2019 season, there were no less than six positions for guards across the three All-NBA teams. Notably, five out of these six positions were held by point guards (PGs), including:

Stephen Curry, Curry's exceptional performance solidified him as one of the best players in the league, continuing his reign as an All-NBA player. CJ McCollum, despite missing part of the season due to injury, McCollum still managed to impress. Damian Lillard, Lillard's consistency and standout performances made him a strong candidate for the All-NBA team. Sherrod helfrich, Lillard's teammate, although he didn't make it, there was immense potential. Russell Westbrook, Westbrook's triple-double machine and overall contribution were significant. John Wall, Wall's leadership and playmaking abilities made him a deserving contender. Gordon Hayward, his injury and transition to Phoenix make his situation a unique case.

Among these players, only James Harden was selected as a shooting guard in the All-NBA team, which led to the debate on the snubs in this position.

Devin Booker and Bradley Beal: The Top Performers

Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, two of the top shooting guards in the league, had impressive seasons in 2019. Booker averaged 26.6 points per game, while Beal averaged 25.6 points per game. These numbers were noteworthy, but the question remains: why were they snubs?

One argument against their inclusion might revolve around their team’s performance. Kemba Walker, who put up similar stats (25.6 points per game), was selected over Booker and Beal. This decision raises questions about the subjective criteria used to determine who makes the All-NBA team. If team performance is a significant factor, Klay Thompson's omission over Walker is questionable, as Taylor Thompson's performance was exceptional and impactful.

Statistical Analysis: Booker's Case

Devin Booker's case deserves a closer look. Despite facing criticism, Booker's statistical performance was commendable. Here are the key metrics:

Scoring: Booker averaged 26.6 points per game, higher than Beal’s 25.6, making him the scoring leader among shooting guards. Ast: Booker also led the way with 0.9 assists per game more than Beal. Shooting: Booker shot 0.5% better from the field and 2.0% better from the free-throw line compared to Beal. These percentages might not seem significant, but they indicate a more well-rounded performance.

Booker's ability to score and create for his teammates, combined with his defensive capabilities, makes a strong case for his inclusion on the All-NBA team. Critics who argue against his nomination should consider these detailed performance metrics rather than simply dismissing him based on team success or league positioning.

Conclusion

The snub of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal from the 2019 All-NBA team remains a topic of debate. While Kemba Walker and other point guards made the cut, it is crucial to consider the overall impact and statistics of these shooting guards when evaluating the selection criteria. The discrepancy in their selection highlights the importance of evaluating players based on their individual performances and not solely on team achievements.