Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Snubbed from 2025 NBA All-Star Game

DALLAS, Texas — The NBA announced its reserves for the 2025 All-Star Game on Thursday, and for the first time since his rookie season, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was not selected. Teammate Kyrie Irving also missed the cut, marking his second consecutive All-Star snub.

Doncic, who has been sidelined since Christmas Day with a calf strain, has played in just 22 games this season. Despite averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists before his injury, the 25-year-old guard fell short of securing his sixth-straight All-Star appearance. Irving, meanwhile, has been a consistent force for the Mavericks, averaging 24.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting nearly 50/40/90 from the field. However, his efforts were not enough to sway NBA coaches, who select the All-Star reserves.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban took to social media to express his frustration. “Those TV ratings for All-Star are gonna be crazy,” Cuban wrote sarcastically. “Lol NBA gonna NBA JUST INSANE Luka and Kai aren’t going.”

Doncic’s absence is particularly notable given his historic start to his NBA career. The Slovenian guard has made five consecutive All-NBA First Teams since his second season, a feat achieved by few players in league history. However, the NBA’s new 65-game requirement for postseason awards has disqualified Doncic from consideration this year.

Irving, an eight-time All-Star, has yet to make an All-Star appearance as a Maverick. Although he was selected in 2023 shortly after being traded to Dallas, most of his production that season came with the Brooklyn Nets. This season, Irving has played in 38 games, helping the Mavericks maintain an 26-22 record and eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

The 2025 All-Star Game, set for Feb. 16 in San Francisco, will feature a new four-team tournament format, replacing the traditional East vs. West matchup. The format has already drawn criticism from players, including Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.

Despite the snubs, both Doncic and Irving remain focused on the Mavericks’ playoff push. Doncic, who entered the season as an MVP favorite, has emphasized his goal of being healthy for the postseason. “My only goal is to be healthy in the playoffs so I can help bring a championship to Dallas,” Doncic said earlier this season.

As the Mavericks continue their campaign, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Doncic and Irving can overcome their All-Star snubs and lead Dallas to a deep playoff run.