“Domantas Sabonis or Lauri Markkanen over Zion Williamson”: Shannon Sharpe Expresses Discontent With NOLA Forward Being Named All-Star Starter

After missing out on the entirety of the previous season, Zion Williamson has been extremely sensational in this campaign. Yes, the former Duke Blue Devil is currently suffering from a right hamstring strain. However, prior to the Pels-Sixers clash, the 6-foot-6 forward was playing some of the most dominant basketball in the entire league.

While leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a top 4 team in the West, the 2019 draft’s 1^st pick has been averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

As a reward, Zanos was selected as one of the three Western Conference frontcourt All-Star starters.

Also Read: NBA Twitter Questions Domantas Sabonis & Lakers Big’s ‘All-Star Starters’ Snub

Shannon Sharpe reacts to Zion Williamson being named All-Star starter

Being ranked 3^rd in player votes & 4^th in media and fan votes, with a weighted score of 3.75, the 22-year-old Pels forward got a 2^nd All-Star nod and the first one as a starter.

Williamson has been exceptional this year, however, his selection as a starter has come as a surprise to many. Being sidelined owing to injuries, the southpaw has played merely 29 of the team’s 49 games.

Shannon Sharpe, who generally is a huge Zion fan, was of the thought that the 284-pound highflyer didn’t play enough to earn the honours.

On the recent episode of “UNDISPUTED”, the 54-year-old analyst stated that he’d rather have Domantas Sabonis or Lauri Markkanen start over the 4^th-year youngster.

“Zion making it after just playing 29 games. I would’ve taken Sabonis. He’s averaging 18 points, he leads the league in rebounding at 12.4, and 7 assists a game. And he’s shooting 60%  from the field and his team is third in the west. Or Lauri Markkanen – 24.5/8.7 on 52% shooting, 43% from 3-point line. I can’t take a guy that’s played 29 of 49 games. Sabonis or Markkanen should’ve definitely started over Zion.”

Can Lauri Markkanen and Domantas Sabonis get selected as All-Stars?

Domantas Sabonis and Lauri Markkanen are among the most improved players in the league.

While the former is one of the biggest contributors to the Sacramento Kings being 3rd in the West, the latter, despite the team’s recent losses, was the reason behind the Jazz’s fantastic 10-3 start.

Both the European players are putting up some ballistic figures. While Sabonis is averaging 18.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, the Finnish forward is putting up 24.8/8.7/1.8.

Markkanen and Domantas are ranked 5th and 6th among Western Conference front courts, respectively. Clearly, there is a huge chance we see both of these stars suit up for the prestigious exhibition game.

Also Read: Who Are 2023 Salt Lake City NBA All-Star Game’s Biggest Snubs From Starting Berths?