Which former Kentucky basketball players made the All-Star Game?

Kentucky basketball continues to dominate the NBA, and this year’s All-Star selections prove it once again. The 2024 NBA All-Star Game features some of the biggest names in basketball, and the Wildcats are well-represented with three former Kentucky standouts earning spots. But while some Kentucky alumni are celebrating, others were left out in controversial snubs.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Superstar in the Making

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially cemented himself as one of the NBA’s elite. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard was voted as a starter for the Western Conference All-Star team, marking his third straight appearance.

SGA averaged over 14 points per game during his lone season at Kentucky before being drafted 11th overall in 2018. Since then, he has blossomed into one of the league’s best players, leading OKC and putting up MVP-caliber numbers.

Anthony Davis: A Decade of All-Star Dominance

Another year, another All-Star appearance for Anthony Davis. The former Kentucky Wildcat and 2012 NCAA champion has been named to his 10th NBA All-Star Game as a reserve in the West.

Davis has been a force on both ends of the floor for the Los Angeles Lakers, proving once again why he’s one of the best big men in the game. With his combination of scoring, rebounding, and defense, Davis remains a cornerstone player in the league. His impact on Kentucky basketball history is immense, and he continues to be a dominant figure in the NBA.

Tyler Herro: First-Time All-Star

Tyler Herro is heading to his first NBA All-Star Game. Known for his fearless shooting and clutch performances, Herro has established himself as one of the best young guards in the league.

Herro’s All-Star selection is a testament to his hard work and development since leaving Kentucky. While injuries have plagued the Heat this season, Herro’s consistent scoring and playmaking have helped keep Miami in the playoff hunt. Kentucky fans have long known his potential, and now the entire NBA is seeing what he can do.

Karl-Anthony Towns: Eastern Conference Starter

Karl-Anthony Towns is back on the All-Star stage as a starter for the Eastern Conference. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2015 is making his fifth All-Star appearance, his first as a New York Knick. Towns was part of a trade over the Summer that sent former Kentucky player Julius Randle to Minnesota.

Towns has been a dominant force in the paint and beyond the arc, making him one of the most skilled big men in the league. He previously played for the Western conference as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Biggest Snubs: Devin Booker, Trae Young, and Tyrese Maxey

While Kentucky basketball boasts multiple All-Stars this year, some notable names were left off the roster.

• Devin Booker, one of the most lethal scorers in the league, was left out—likely due to the Phoenix Suns' mediocre record.
• Trae Young, the NBA’s assist leader, is putting up 22.5 points and 11.4 assists per game, but his low shooting percentage and Atlanta’s losing record kept him off the list.
• Tyrese Maxey, another Kentucky alum, has been carrying the Philadelphia 76ers in the absence of Joel Embiid. Averaging 27.1 points and 6.0 assists per game, many believe Maxey deserved a spot, but the Sixers' struggles likely hurt his case.

Kentucky’s NBA Legacy Lives On

Year after year, Kentucky basketball continues to produce some of the NBA’s biggest stars. From established legends like Anthony Davis to rising superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and first-time All-Stars like Tyler Herro, the Wildcats' presence in the league is undeniable.