Brandon Ingram’s All-Star Snub: A Case of Depth, Not Disrespect
Raptors fans had their hopes up - and for good reason. With Toronto climbing the Eastern Conference standings and their new-look roster clicking, the idea of two All-Star nods felt like more than just a pipe dream.
Scottie Barnes got the call - his second All-Star selection - but Brandon Ingram? Not this time.
Despite a strong season and a solid case, Ingram was left off the initial All-Star roster. And while there's still a chance he could sneak in as an injury replacement, the message from the coaches was clear: Ingram didn’t quite make the cut. So let’s dig into why - and whether that decision holds up under the microscope.
The Numbers Game
Let’s start with the stats, because that’s where most All-Star debates begin.
Ingram is leading the Raptors in scoring at 21.9 points per game. He’s been a steady offensive presence and a big reason why Toronto has gone from a fringe play-in team to a top-five seed in the East. That kind of impact usually gets noticed - especially on a winning team.
But when you stack Ingram’s numbers up against the other All-Star reserves, things get a little murky. He’s outscoring guys like Karl-Anthony Towns, Scottie Barnes, and Jalen Duren - all of whom made the roster. That should count for something, right?
Well, here’s the catch: Towns and Duren are both dominant on the glass, each averaging double-doubles. Towns is actually leading the league in that category.
Ingram, by comparison, is pulling down 5.9 rebounds per game - respectable, but not elite. Even Pascal Siakam, another reserve who edged him out, is averaging 6.9 boards.
Then there’s Norman Powell. The former Raptor is now in Miami and, yes, he’s averaging fewer rebounds and assists than Ingram.
But he’s also been more efficient from deep and the free-throw line, and he’s scoring more. Statistically, Ingram isn’t blowing any of these guys out of the water.
He’s in the mix - but not clearly ahead.
Winning Matters… Right?
This is where things get interesting.
Toronto is currently sitting fourth in the East, tied with Cleveland and just a few games back of Boston and New York. That’s a major leap from where they started the season, and Ingram has been a huge part of that turnaround. He’s taken on a co-leadership role alongside Barnes, and the results speak for themselves.
Meanwhile, several teams below the Raptors in the standings - the Hawks, Heat, and Pacers - all have players heading to the All-Star Game. That raises eyebrows.
Donovan Mitchell’s spot is a no-brainer. He’s been electric for Cleveland and is one of the league’s top scorers. But the selections of Jalen Johnson, Pascal Siakam, and Norman Powell are a bit more complicated.
Johnson has stepped up in Atlanta with Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis missing time. He’s putting up near triple-double numbers and has taken on a much bigger role since Young was traded. It’s a breakout year for him, and coaches tend to reward that kind of leap.
Siakam’s situation is trickier. The Pacers have struggled mightily without Tyrese Haliburton, and despite Siakam’s solid individual numbers, Indiana owns the worst record in the East. Still, he’s been the lone bright spot on a sinking ship - and that narrative can carry weight in All-Star voting.
Same goes for Powell. The Heat have hovered just above .500, and with Tyler Herro missing significant time, Powell’s scoring has kept Miami afloat. Again, it’s the narrative: a veteran stepping up when his team needed him most.
Ingram’s Case: Solid, Not Spectacular
Here’s the reality: Brandon Ingram is doing a lot of things well, but nothing at an elite level. He’s a pure scorer, no doubt - but at 21.9 points per game, he’s not in the upper tier of offensive threats. He’s a capable rebounder and playmaker, but not dominant in either category.
In a league overflowing with talent, that’s often the difference between getting in and being left out.
Ingram’s best argument is tied to team success. He’s the second-best player on a top-four team in the East.
That should matter. But when you compare his individual numbers to the guys who made it, there’s not a clear gap in his favor.
And when coaches are splitting hairs, they often lean on storylines, positional needs, and standout performances - not just team records.
The Verdict
So, was Brandon Ingram snubbed?
It depends on your definition. He absolutely had a case.
He’s been a major factor in Toronto’s resurgence, and he’s putting up strong numbers across the board. But in a year where the East is loaded with versatile forwards and breakout stories, Ingram’s All-Star résumé didn’t separate him enough from the pack.
Still, the door isn’t fully closed. With injury replacements still to be named, there’s a very real chance Ingram could end up joining Barnes in the All-Star Game after all. And if he does, it’ll be well-earned.
For now, though, he’ll have to watch from the outside looking in - a reminder that in today’s NBA, being really good sometimes just isn’t quite enough.