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  • Fact or Fiction: Domantas Sabonis is The Biggest Snub of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game


    Each week during the 2024-25 NBA season, we will take a deeper dive into some of the league’s biggest storylines in an attempt to determine whether trends are based more in fact or fiction moving forward.

    What is a snub? A snub is a guy that can’t get no love from … the voting panel for the NBA All-Star Game.

    Maybe a handful of you understood that joke. But it is true. I did not envy the voters this season. The league is as rich with talent as it has ever been. Someone was bound to get snubbed. Multiple players.

    The NBA on Thursday announced its All-Star reserves (selected by the coaches), completing the 24-player field for this year’s All-Star Game in San Francisco, so long as (fingers crossed) nobody gets injured between now and Feb. 16. Here are the rosters (* = starter):

    And sure enough: There are some snubs. But remember:

    When we are determining The Biggest Snub, we have to kick someone out. Sorry, James Harden.

    Hear me out. (But a disclaimer first: Games played matter, so apologies to Paolo Banchero, Luka Dončić, Joel Embiid, Ja Morant and Franz Wagner, among others who did not play enough to earn consideration.)

    The Biggest Snub has to come from the West. There are too many good players in the conference. Herro would not have sniffed a selection on a .500 team from the West. He should not have even made it over Trae Young in the Eastern Conference, but if we are looking for the most talented non-All-Star this season — The Biggest Snub — he is in the West. He did not fail to make an All-Star team over Tyler Herro.

    He failed to make one over Harden, who is having a great season for a Los Angeles Clippers team that has exceeded expectations. He also may not be the most valuable member of his own team. Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac are, at the very least, as impactful, as is a healthy Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers are in sixth place because of a defense that is ranked second in the NBA despite the presence of Harden; not because of a bottom-10 offense.

    (Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports Illustration)(Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

    (Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

    Harden’s raw numbers — 21.7 points, 8.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game — are impressive, though he is shooting 40% from the field and below league average from 3 (35.2%). His 203 turnovers lead the NBA.

    I do not like making a case against anyone, but these are the rules, and it is a good one against Harden.

    Now for the reveal: This year’s The Biggest Snub is not LaMelo Ball or Devin Booker or Tyrese Maxey. It is Domantas Sabonis, spawn of Arvydas, King of The Nail.

    It was between him and Kyrie Irving.

    • Sabonis: 20.9 PTS (61/48/77), 14.5 REB, 6.6 AST (3.1 TO), 0.6 STL, 0.4 BLK; 68.0 TS%, 24.1 PER

    • Irving: 24.2 PTS (48/42/90), 4.9 AST (2.3 TO), 4.6 REB, 1.2 STL, 0.3 BLK; 60.0 TS%, 19.8 PER

    • Harden: 21.7 PTS (40/35/89), 8.4 AST (4.6 TO), 5.8 REB, 1.5 STL, 0.6 BLK; 57.3 TS%, 19.1 PER

    Would you look at that? Sabonis is the most efficient scorer of the three, leads the NBA in rebounding and averages more assists per game than Irving (with a higher assist-to-turnover ratio than Harden).

    Here is who has averaged a 21-14-6 in NBA history: Wilt Chamberlain. That is it.

    What else do you really have to say? Sabonis has also played more than both of them this season. And when he is on the court, the Kings are 14.9 points per 100 meaningful possessions better, according to Cleaning the Glass — the league’s fourth-best on/off rating among players who have logged at least 1,000 minutes, trailing only Jokić, Wembanyama and Chris Paul (who has played more than three-quarters of his minutes with Wemby).

    Sacramento has the equivalent of a top-five offense when Sabonis is on the floor and a bottom-two offense when he is on the bench, and the team’s offensive rating has settled into seventh in the league.

    By contrast the Mavericks are 3.8 points per 100 possessions better when Irving is on the floor, and the Clippers are 4.8 points per 100 possessions better when Harden is on the court. Add those on/off ratings together, and you are still searching for as much impact as Sabonis.

    I am not here to say Sabonis’ game is the most compelling for an All-Star audience, but who wants to see another Harden step-back 3 when Sabonis is converting his triples at the league’s second-best clip? Plus, he will pass and rebound better than anyone. He won’t steal the show, but he belongs in it. What are we doing here? The answer is obvious.

    Determination: Fact. Domantas Sabonis is The Biggest Snub of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.





    Fact or Fiction: Domantas Sabonis is The Biggest Snub of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

    With the rosters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game recently announced, many fans and analysts were quick to point out one glaring omission – Domantas Sabonis. The Indiana Pacers forward has been putting up impressive numbers all season long, averaging a double-double and showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.

    Sabonis has been a key player for the Pacers, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. His ability to score in the paint, crash the boards, and facilitate for his teammates has made him a standout player in the league. Despite his stellar performance, Sabonis was left off the All-Star roster, leading many to believe that he was the biggest snub of the game.

    So, is it a fact or fiction that Domantas Sabonis is the biggest snub of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game? While it’s certainly a subjective topic, the numbers don’t lie – Sabonis has been playing at an All-Star level this season. His absence from the roster is a tough pill to swallow for Pacers fans and Sabonis supporters alike, but ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the coaches and fans who vote for the All-Star reserves.

    Whether you believe Sabonis was snubbed or not, one thing is for certain – he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA and will use this perceived snub as motivation to elevate his game even further.

    Tags:

    Domantas Sabonis, NBA All-Star snub, 2025 All-Star Game, NBA news, Sabonis snub, player snubbed, NBA All-Star roster, NBA All-Star selection, Sabonis All-Star snub, NBA All-Star voting, NBA snubbed player

    #Fact #Fiction #Domantas #Sabonis #Biggest #Snub #NBA #AllStar #Game

  • NBA All-Star snubs: Trae Young, Domantas Sabonis, LaMelo Ball miss the cut for 2025


    The NBA always has more stars than All-Star spots and that was once again clear when the league revealed the full rosters of the 2025 All-Star Game on Thursday.

    Among those to make the cut are first-timer Victor Wembanyama and 21st-timer LeBron James. Six teams had multiple selections, while only two teams above .500 — the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings — had none. The game is once again stacked with recognizable talent, but there were plenty more players beyond the 24 players selected.

    That includes the NBA’s leaders in assists, rebounds and one of the leaders in East All-Star fan votes.

    Here are the most notable names to miss out on the honor, though let’s make something abundantly clear: These are not snubs in the sense that these guys are clearly more deserving than someone who made the cut. We’re just talking about guys who at least seemed worthy in a league with more All-Star-worthy players than spots.

    At least one of those who weren’t selected might also hear their name called soon, depending on how serious Anthony Davis’ injury is. The 2025 All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 16 in San Francisco.

    No player has averaged more assists per game than Young’s 9.7 since his NBA debut, a span of time in which he has averaged 25.2 points per game (12th in the NBA). That certainly sounds like a perennial All-Star, but Young has now missed out on the game for the fourth time in his seven-year career.

    Young currently leads the NBA in assists per game with a career-high 11.4, but his lack of efficiency (40.2% shooting, 34.2% from deep, 4.7 turnovers per game) and the Hawks’ lack of success (22-25 record, ninth in the East) once again left him off the roster.

    Sabonis has played 44 games this season. He has recorded a double-double in 42 of them. For a third straight year, he is leading the NBA in rebounding with 14.5 per game. The Kings have taken a step back this year, as evidenced by the firing of head coach Mike Brown, but Sabonis is a three-time All-Star playing as well as he ever has.

    This is the guy who probably gets the call if Davis can’t make it to San Francisco.

    Take Young’s case then add some scoring and social media followers and remove some passing and team wins, and you have Ball’s case. The 23-year-old has taken a step forward this year with 28.2 points per game, but the Hornets have done him no favors at 12-32.

    Ball led East guards in fan voting for the starter ballot, but has now missed the game all together. He is also currently dealing with an ankle sprain, so his availability for the ASG was already in question.

    Kawhi Leonard has played nine games this season and remains on a minutes restriction. The Clippers are still 27-20, good for sixth in the West. A resurgent James Harden was recognized as a reason why with his 11th career All-Star selection, but just as important has been Powell.

    The 33-year-old is starting regularly for the first time in his four-season Clippers career and is averaging a career-high 24 points per game, which leads the team. He raised eyebrows with his “addition by subtraction” comment about Paul George, but he has more than backed it up.

    Had he played a few more games, Wagner would probably be preparing to suit up for his first career All-Star game. The German missed 20 games due to a torn oblique, but he was All-Star-worthy in the 28 he played.

    The 6-foot-10 wing has added more facilitation to an already well-rounded game, which is a key component of one of the NBA’s top defenses. As long as he can stay healthy, he’s well on track to hear his name called for multiple All-Star Games down the line.

    The Suns remain a bit of a mess, but Booker ain’t the problem. Just like when Phoenix was winning 50-plus games per season, Booker is scoring at a high clip while chipping in more than his fair share of assists.

    The NBA has made pretty clear it doesn’t think much of big numbers on bad teams, but that doesn’t really hold with Booker, whose Suns are still 24-22, thanks to primarily him and Kevin Durant.

    The Cavaliers already had three All-Stars with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. There is an argument they deserved a fourth, prime Golden State Warriors-style. Allen is the team’s defensive stalwart, Cleveland’s leading rebounder and the East’s leader in effective field-goal percentage at .703.

    It’s hard to make an All-Star Game when you’re averaging fewer than 15 points per game, but Allen is the type of player who can still make a case.

    • Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls

    • Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls

    • Kyrie Irving, Mavericks

    • Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

    • Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks



    The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is just around the corner, and as always, there are bound to be some notable snubs when it comes to selecting the best players in the league. This year, some of the biggest names left off the All-Star roster include Trae Young, Domantas Sabonis, and LaMelo Ball.

    Trae Young, the dynamic point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, has been putting up impressive numbers all season long. Averaging over 25 points and 10 assists per game, Young has been a key player in leading the Hawks to a solid record in the Eastern Conference. Despite his stellar play, Young was surprisingly left off the All-Star roster this year.

    Domantas Sabonis, the versatile big man for the Indiana Pacers, has also been overlooked for the All-Star Game. Sabonis is averaging a double-double this season with over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. His ability to score inside and out, as well as facilitate for his teammates, has been instrumental in the Pacers’ success this season.

    Lastly, LaMelo Ball, the rising star guard for the Charlotte Hornets, has also been snubbed for the All-Star Game. Ball has been a breakout player this season, showcasing his playmaking ability and scoring prowess. With impressive stats and highlight-reel plays, many fans and analysts were shocked to see Ball left off the All-Star roster.

    While these three players have been left off the All-Star roster this year, there is no doubt that they will continue to prove their worth and make their mark in the league. As the season progresses, they will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents and make a case for future All-Star selections. In the meantime, fans can only hope that these snubs will fuel their fire and motivate them to come back even stronger next season.

    Tags:

    NBA All-Star snubs, Trae Young, Domantas Sabonis, LaMelo Ball, 2025 All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Game, NBA news, NBA updates, basketball news, basketball updates

    #NBA #AllStar #snubs #Trae #Young #Domantas #Sabonis #LaMelo #Ball #cut

  • Kings’ Domantas Sabonis not selected for 2025 NBA All-Star Game


    SACRAMENTO — Sacramento Kings star big man Domantas Sabonis was not selected for this year’s NBA All-Star Game. 

    Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, is averaging 20.9 points, a league-leading 14.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists, which only trails Nuggets star Nikola Jokic among all big men.

    NBA coaches select the reserves after the 10 names for the starters pool were announced last week through a combination of fan voting (50%), media voting (25%) and active player voting (25%). 

    San Antonio star and reigning rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama is an All-Star for the first time, one of the 14 players announced Thursday night as members of the reserve pool for the Feb. 16 event in San Francisco. 

    Wembanyama becomes only the fourth Spurs player to make the All-Star Game in his first or second season. The others: Alvin Robertson in 1986, David Robinson in 1990 and 1991, and Tim Duncan in 1998. 

    There were seven players picked Thursday from each conference. From the Eastern Conference: Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, Cleveland’s Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard — last year’s All-Star MVP — and Miami’s Tyler Herro. 

    From the West: Wembanyama, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden, Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Houston’s Alperen Sengun and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams.

    Wembanyama, Cunningham, Mobley, Herro, Sengun and Williams are first-time All-Stars.

    There will be at least 15 players who “start” at the All-Star Game this season. It’s the first year of a new All-Star format, with three games. The 24 All-Stars will be drafted into three teams of eight players apiece by TNT personalities and former NBA greats Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.

    Those three teams will be entered into a four-team tournament, with the remaining squad made up of NBA rookies and second-year players from the Rising Stars event on All-Star Friday. There are two semifinal games, with the winners meeting in a championship game. The games should go quickly; the first team to reach 40 points wins.

    Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault and an assistant from his staff will coach two of the teams, and Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson and one of his assistants will lead the others.

    Among the notable names who did not make it: Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball — who narrowly missed out on being picked as a starter, but didn’t have enough coach support to be a reserve — along with Atlanta’s Trae Young, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Dallas’ Kyrie Irving and the Clippers’ Norman Powell.



    Despite putting up impressive numbers this season, Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings has been left off the roster for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Sabonis, who is averaging a double-double with 20.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, was seen as a strong candidate for the All-Star nod.

    Fans and analysts alike have expressed disappointment over Sabonis’ exclusion from the All-Star Game, with many citing his consistent performance and impact on the Kings’ success this season. Despite his snub, Sabonis remains focused on helping his team make a playoff push and continuing to prove his worth as one of the top players in the league.

    While Sabonis may not be participating in the All-Star Game this year, his standout play and work ethic have not gone unnoticed. Fans can expect to see him continue to elevate his game and make a strong case for future All-Star selections.

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  • Pacific Notes: Warriors, Curry, Green, Sabonis, Beal, Nurkic


    The Warriors endured a 40-point beatdown at the hands of the Celtics on their home floor on Monday and they admit that the 2022 Finals, in which they defeated Boston, feels like ancient history, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN writes.

    “Yeah, we have an entirely different roster pretty much, obviously,” Stephen Curry said. “Especially without Draymond [Green] out there (due to injury). But you look [at what] they have, besides [Kristaps] Porzingis, they have pretty much the whole rotation still, and they are the defending champs. So, they’re coming in with a level of confidence and swagger about ’em, and it’s the exact opposite of what we have right now. So yeah, obviously great memories, but definitely feels like a long time ago.”

    “Seems like an eternity ago,” Warriors center Kevon Looney added. “We have had a lot of iterations of the team since then. Each season brings on a new challenge. That year seems further and further away. But hopefully, we can get back to that feeling of being a champion. But we got a long way to go.”

    We have more from the Pacific Division:

    • Is it time for the Warriors to hit the reset button? Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo.com endorses that approach, saying they should look to deal Curry and Green while they still have a lot of value. O’Connor explores a number of trade possibilities involving Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, the Lakers and Orlando to demonstrate what the return could be for each player.
    • Domantas Sabonis has knocked down 48.4 percent of his 3-point attempts this season, far above his 34.9 percent career average. The Kings big man told Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee that he has gradually developed his long-range game. “It’s something I’ve been working on ever since I started playing basketball,” Sabonis said. “Sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to keep doing it one summer, another offseason, another offseason. You just hope at one point you’re going to break through, and so far this year it’s been going in, so I’ve just got to keep sticking with it and shooting with confidence.”
    • The Suns list Bradley Beal as questionable to play against the Nets on Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain (Twitter link). Beal returned to action on Monday at Cleveland after a two-game absence but contributed just five points and four assists in 25 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic, who last played on January 7, remains out due to “return to competition reconditioning.”



    In this edition of Pacific Notes, we take a look at some of the latest news and updates surrounding the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic.

    – The Golden State Warriors continue to impress this season, currently holding the top spot in the Western Conference. Stephen Curry has been leading the charge for the team, showcasing his elite scoring ability and leadership on the court.

    – Draymond Green has been a key contributor for the Warriors, providing stellar defense and playmaking skills. Green’s versatility on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in the team’s success this season.

    – Domantas Sabonis has made a seamless transition to the Sacramento Kings since being acquired in a blockbuster trade. Sabonis has been a double-double machine for the Kings, showcasing his elite rebounding and scoring ability.

    – Bradley Beal has been a bright spot for the struggling Washington Wizards this season, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Beal’s ability to create his own shot and score from all three levels has been crucial for the Wizards.

    – Jusuf Nurkic has been a force in the paint for the Portland Trail Blazers, providing solid defense and rebounding. Nurkic’s ability to protect the rim and score in the post has been key for the Blazers this season.

    Stay tuned for more updates on the Pacific Division teams and players in future editions of Pacific Notes.

    Tags:

    1. Pacific Notes
    2. Golden State Warriors
    3. Stephen Curry
    4. Draymond Green
    5. Domantas Sabonis
    6. Bradley Beal
    7. Jusuf Nurkic
    8. NBA Pacific Division
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    #Pacific #Notes #Warriors #Curry #Green #Sabonis #Beal #Nurkic

  • Domantas Sabonis continues to be double-double machine


    Domantas Sabonis is averaging career-highs for points (20.8) and rebounds (14.2) this season.

    Three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, among the best bigs in the league for multiple seasons, has stepped up his game with a career-best campaign for the Kings so far in 2024-25.

    The star big man is coming off a huge 29-point, 18-rebound, four-assist performance in a comfortable 123-100 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. That outing extended his double-double streak to 19 consecutive appearances. Sabonis is averaging 20.5 points, 15.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists across 35.5 minutes per game over that stretch. He’s recorded a double-double in all but two games this season, giving him 37 double-doubles in 39 appearances.

    This isn’t anything new for Sabonis, though. He already led the league in double-doubles in 2023-24 after reaching that feat in 77 of his 82 regular-season contests. Few players bring Sabonis’ mix of rebounding ability, scoring prowess and passing skill to the table on a game-to-game basis. He averaged a career-high 8.2 assists per game in 2023-24, and while that number is down in the current campaign, his 6.3 dimes per contest are still an above-average mark for a center, even in today’s era of elite big passers. In fact, it ranks fourth among non-guards this season.

    The Kings have managed to right the ship and have surged up the standings since installing Doug Christie at the helm as interim head coach, but they will likely only go as far as Sabonis can carry them.



    Domantas Sabonis, the Indiana Pacers’ star center, has been on an absolute tear this season, consistently putting up impressive double-double performances game after game.

    Sabonis, who was named an All-Star for the second consecutive year, has been a dominant force on the court, averaging a double-double with 20.8 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.

    His versatility and skill set have made him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams, as he can score in the post, crash the boards, and facilitate the offense with his passing ability.

    Despite facing tough competition in the Eastern Conference, Sabonis has continued to shine and establish himself as one of the top big men in the league.

    With his relentless work ethic and determination, there’s no doubt that Domantas Sabonis will continue to be a double-double machine for the Pacers and a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.

    Tags:

    Domantas Sabonis, NBA, basketball, double-double, Indiana Pacers, player stats, NBA news, sports updates, basketball highlights

    #Domantas #Sabonis #continues #doubledouble #machine

  • Kings’ Domantas Sabonis keeps it real on Mike Brown, De’Aaron Fox internal ‘drama’


    The Sacramento Kings made the rash decision to fire head coach Mike Brown on December 28 after a 13-18 start to the season. However, they’ve turned things around as of late under interim boss Doug Christie, winning seven in a row heading into Tuesday’s clash with the Milwaukee Bucks.

    One of the main storylines this season was the internal drama between Coach Brown and franchise star De’Aaron Fox. The two reportedly didn’t see eye to eye and with the Kings looking to lock up their guard long-term, there’s a belief they let go of Brown to make sure Fox inks a new deal.

    However, big man Domantas Sabonis shut down the rumors about the drama between Brown and Fox.

    Via Basketnews:

    “There was a lot of drama, Sabonis admitted. “With Fox, coach, everybody. But we must think about the team and how we play, not the outside noise.”

    “Everybody started talking nonsense. But we don’t pay attention to it and just do our job,” Sabonis continued.

    Sabonis also praised Christie for the job he’s done since taking over for Brown:

    “He has a very big heart,” Sabonis said. “He loves Sacramento a lot and will give everything for the Kings organization. You can see it every day during practices, video sessions, and games. The players feel that and want to fight for him.”

    The vibes are up in Sacramento. During this unbeaten run, they’ve beaten several quality teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and even the Boston Celtics last Friday. Sabonis is also balling out lately, registering 20 points or more in four straight appearances.

    While many criticized the Brown firing, perhaps it was exactly what Sacramento needed — a culture change. Sitting just 1.5 games out of sixth place, the playoffs are a reality once again. And if Christie continues to thrive, the Kings might just hand him the full-time job. He certainly has the respect of his players.





    In a recent interview, Sacramento Kings’ star Domantas Sabonis didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s interim head coach, Mike Brown, and the supposed internal drama surrounding point guard De’Aaron Fox.

    Sabonis praised Brown for his leadership and coaching style, stating that he has brought a new energy and focus to the team. He also commended Brown for his ability to communicate effectively with the players and hold them accountable.

    When asked about the rumors of tension between Fox and other members of the team, Sabonis brushed it off as typical competitive spirit and passion for the game. He emphasized that disagreements and conflicts are a natural part of any team dynamic, and that ultimately, it is all in service of pushing each other to be better.

    Sabonis’ candid and straightforward comments shed light on the real dynamics within the Kings’ locker room, dispelling any notions of serious discord or dysfunction. With his positive outlook and team-first mentality, Sabonis is setting the tone for a successful season ahead for the Kings.

    Tags:

    1. Domantas Sabonis
    2. Kings
    3. Mike Brown
    4. De’Aaron Fox
    5. NBA drama
    6. Sacramento Kings
    7. Basketball news
    8. NBA players
    9. Sports controversy
    10. Sacramento Kings players

    #Kings #Domantas #Sabonis #real #Mike #Brown #DeAaron #Fox #internal #drama

  • Gonzaga to honor Domantas Sabonis in pregame ceremony

    Gonzaga to honor Domantas Sabonis in pregame ceremony


    The Gonzaga men’s basketball program is set to honor two-time All-NBA forward Domantas Sabonis in a pregame ceremony on Jan. 18, when the Bulldogs host Santa Clara at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

    Sabonis’ No. 11, which he wore throughout his two seasons in Spokane, will hang among an exclusive group of former men’s basketball players who have their jerseys displayed along the upper walls of the Kennel. He’s set to join Frank Burgess (No. 44), John Stockton (No. 12), Adam Morrison (No. 3), Kelly Olynyk (No. 13) and Dan Dickau (No. 21).

    Sabonis remains Gonzaga’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage (63.2%) and ranks No. 11 in program history with 694 rebounds. The 6-foot-11 Lithuanian scored over 1,000 points in just 74 games.

    While guiding the Zags on a run to the Sweet 16 in 2016, Sabonis was named an Associated Press All-American honorable mention and an NCAA All-Tournament Midwest Region selection. As a sophomore in the 2015-16 season, he averaged 17.6 points per game and led the West Coast Conference with 11.8 rebounds per game (sixth-best nationally) and 23 double-doubles (fifth-best nationally).

    Sabonis was the 11th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, who immediately traded his draft rights to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It wasn’t long before he was part of another trade, this time a blockbuster during the 2017 offseason that sent Indiana Pacers forward Paul George to OKC in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Sabonis, the latter of whom averaged 5.9 points as a rookie. In Indiana, Sabonis elevated his game to All-Star status over four full seasons and had a career-best 20.3 points per game in the 2020-21 campaign.

    Sabonis was involved in another massive deal, this time at the 2022 trade deadline, as the Pacers moved him to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for rising superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton.

    Kings coach Mike Brown’s free-flowing offense unlocked the superb playmaking aspect of Sabonis’ game in no time. Alongside De’Aaron Fox, Sabonis helped the Kings reach the postseason for the first time in 16 years during his first full season with the team in 2022-23, as he took home All-NBA Third Team honors and finished seventh in MVP votes. Sacramento couldn’t make it back-to-back playoff appearances with a ninth-place finish in the Western Conference standings in 2023-24, though Sabonis still put up historic numbers and was All-NBA once again. 

    Sabonis is the son of Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Fame center Arvydas Sabonis, who thrived with the Portland Trail Blazers in the late 1990s after years of dominating overseas in Spain. Domantas, born in Portland, was the youngest member of Unicaja Malaga (Spain) at 18 years old but refused to sign a contract due to his desire to play college basketball. Gonzaga came in with the recruiting pitch, and the rest is history.

    Sabonis changed his number with the Kings from No. 10 to No. 11 this past offseason, as a nod to his father’s basketball legacy and his own ties to the number. His daughter Eleven was born on July 11; he wore No. 11 during his two seasons at Gonzaga before being selected, coincidentally, 11th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.

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    Gonzaga Bulldogs will be honoring former player and current NBA star Domantas Sabonis in a special pregame ceremony. Sabonis, who played for the Bulldogs from 2014-2016, has gone on to have a successful career in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers.

    During his time at Gonzaga, Sabonis was a standout player, earning All-American honors and helping lead the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His impressive skillset and work ethic made him a fan favorite and a beloved member of the Gonzaga community.

    The pregame ceremony will include a tribute video highlighting Sabonis’ time at Gonzaga, as well as a special presentation to honor his contributions to the program. Fans are encouraged to come out and show their support for Sabonis as he is recognized for his time at Gonzaga and his continued success in the NBA.

    Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate one of Gonzaga’s all-time greats, Domantas Sabonis, before the Bulldogs take on their next opponent. Go Zags! #DomantasSabonis #GonzagaBasketball #NBAstar

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    #Gonzaga #honor #Domantas #Sabonis #pregame #ceremony

  • Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis’ Jersey to Hang in Rafters Forever

    Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis’ Jersey to Hang in Rafters Forever


    What an unbelievable honor. Only five other Zags that have paved the way for this program have had the privilege to have their jersey hang in the rafters in Spokane. Frank Burgess, John Stockton, Adam Morrison, Kelly Olynyk, Dan Dickau. You can now add Domantas Sabonis to that list.

    During his time at Gonzaga from 2014-16, the Lithuanian leftie etched himself in history. Take a look at some of his accolades during his tenure:

    2015 WCC All-Freshman Team

    2015 Second Team All-WCC

    2016 AP Honorable Mention All-American

    2016 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Finalist

    In his too short but sweet collegiate career, Sabonis averaged 13.5 PPG on 63.2 FG%/35.7 3PT%/72.9 FT% plus 9.4 RPG in 74 games played for the Zags. He led the program to an Elite 8 in 2015 and a Sweet 16 in 2016 during his tenure.

    Sabonis is the school’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage at 63.2%. He’s also just the 41st player in school history to score 1,000 points, finishing with 1,002 total.

    My personal favorite memory of Sabonis has to be his dunk off the dime from Przemek Karnowski against UCLA in the 2015 Sweet 16. That big man tandem was always on the same page during that run.

    It will be a special moment for the Gonzaga legend to witness his jersey go up in McCarthey Athletic Center and stay there forever on January 18th against Santa Clara.

    Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho



    Gonzaga University announced today that former basketball star Domantas Sabonis’ jersey will be retired and hung in the rafters of the McCarthey Athletic Center. Sabonis, who played for the Bulldogs from 2014-2016, left a lasting impact on the program and the university as a whole.

    During his time at Gonzaga, Sabonis was a dominant force on the court, averaging 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He was a key player in leading the Bulldogs to two consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA tournament.

    Sabonis’ jersey will join the likes of other Gonzaga greats such as John Stockton and Adam Morrison in the rafters, forever immortalizing his legacy at the university.

    Fans and alumni alike are thrilled with the decision to retire Sabonis’ jersey, as it serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication he brought to the program. Congratulations to Domantas Sabonis on this well-deserved honor! #GoZags #DomantasSabonis #RetiredJersey

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    Gonzaga, Domantas Sabonis, jersey, retirement, rafters, basketball, Gonzaga Bulldogs, NBA, legacy, honors, tribute, Gonzaga University, Hall of Fame

    #Gonzagas #Domantas #Sabonis #Jersey #Hang #Rafters

  • GU Athletics to Honor Domantas Sabonis Jan. 18

    GU Athletics to Honor Domantas Sabonis Jan. 18


    SPOKANE, Wash. – Three-time NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis will be honored by Gonzaga Athletics on Jan. 18 during a ceremony at GU’s game against Santa Clara.
     
    Sabonis, who will become the sixth player in men’s program history to have his jersey displayed in the McCarthey Athletic Center, will be present for the ceremony. He will join Frank Burgess, John Stockton, Adam Morrison, Kelly Olynyk, and Dan Dickau among those with their jersey numbers hung in the arena.
     
    Sabonis remains Gonzaga’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage at .632. In just two seasons, he scored 1,002 points to become the 41st player in school history to score 1,000 points. He also grabbed 694 rebounds, which is 11th all-time at GU.
     
    An AP Honorable Mention All-American and NCAA All-Tournament Midwest Region selection, Sabonis capped his fantastic season helping the Zags reach the Sweet 16 in 2016. Off the court, he was named a CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-American, CoSIDA Academic All-District first-teamer and a WCC All-Academic first-teamer.
     
    Sabonis, who also earned All-West Coast Conference and NABC All-District First Team honors, averaged 17.6 points per game in 2015-16, and led the WCC with 11.8 rebounds per game (No. 6 nationally) and 23 double-doubles (No. 5 nationally). He ranked second in the league with a .611 field goal percentage. Sabonis scored in double figures 32 times and had 20-plus in 12 of those contests.
     
    In the NCAA Tournament, Sabonis helped Gonzaga reach a Sweet 16 in each of his two seasons with an Elite 8 appearance in 2015. In the three 2016 NCAA Tournament games, he averaged 19.7 points and 14.3 rebounds, the highest rebounding average of any player that appeared in at least two games.
     
    As a freshman, Sabonis shot 66.8 percent from the field, appearing in all 38 games in 2014-15. He averaged 9.7 points and 7.1 rebounds.
     
    Sabonis was selected the 11th pick of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Following the selection, the Magic traded Sabonis to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He became the sixth Zag drafted in the first round, and 20th selected in the NBA Draft.
     
    Sabonis was an NBA All-Star in 2020, 2021, and 2023. He was named Third Team All-NBA in each of the last two seasons, after leading the league in rebounds in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.
     
    In his ninth season in the NBA, Sabonis currently averages 21.4 points for the Sacramento Kings. He’s pulling down 13 rebounds per outing, which ranks second in the league. His 62.2 field goal percentage is fourth in the NBA.
     
    Sabonis played for Lithuania at EuroBasket 2015, winning a silver medal in his debut year for the national team. He also was a member of the Lithuanian Olympic national team during the 2016 Summer Olympics.
     



    Join us on January 18 as GU Athletics honors former Gonzaga University basketball standout Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis, who played for the Bulldogs from 2014-2016, is currently a star player for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA.

    During halftime of the men’s basketball game on January 18, we will be recognizing Sabonis for his contributions to the program and celebrating his continued success at the professional level. Don’t miss this special tribute to one of Gonzaga’s all-time greats.

    Tickets for the game are available now, so be sure to secure your spot to witness this special moment in GU Athletics history. Let’s show our appreciation for Domantas Sabonis and all that he has achieved since his time at Gonzaga. Go Zags! #DomantasSabonis #GUAthletics #GoZags

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    #Athletics #Honor #Domantas #Sabonis #Jan

  • Domantas Sabonis injury status and update ahead of Kings’ game against Pistons

    Domantas Sabonis injury status and update ahead of Kings’ game against Pistons


    Coming out of Christmas Break, the Sacramento Kings (13-17) are losers of four straight and sitting 12th in the Western Conference. If they want to save their season, they need to do it fast, and on Thursday, they will have a chance to start their revival against a team with an identical record to them: the Detroit Pistons (13-17).

    But who will the Sacramento Kings have available to them? What about the Pistons? Here is the full injury report heading into tonight’s game.

    Sacramento Kings Injury Report

    As you can tell from the title of the post, the main headliner on the Kings’ front is their All-Star forward, Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is a notorious iron man. However, it seems he’s been hit with an illness, which has him now listed as questionable for tonight’s game (per Basketball Reference). In general, that designation usually means you have a 50/50 chance of playing. So far, Sabonis has already missed two games this season. That’s already two more than he missed last year.

    Outside of Sabonis, the only other Kings player on the injury report is their 2024 first round pick, Devin Carter. Carter has yet to suit up for his new team, as he’s been rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery. He will continue to be out tonight, and he’s set to be re-evaluated in January (per Matt George). Carter was a great add for where they got him in the draft, but it is unlikelythat he will significantly move the needle for this team in his inaugural campaign.

    Detroit Pistons Injury Report

    For the Pistons, there are three names to monitor as we get closer to tip-off. Those players are Jalen Duren (ankle), Ron Holland (illness), and Isaiah Stewart (knee). Stewart and Holland are both listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Duren is considered probable (meaning he has about a 75% chance of playing tonight).

    The Pistons better hope that they won’t be without both Duren and Stewart, as it will put a large amount of weight on Paul Reed’s shoulders – a player they have already had to lean on a great deal with Stewart missing their last three games.

    After tonight’s game, the Kings will travel to Los Angeles to face off against the Lakers for the third time this season on Saturday, December 28.



    Domantas Sabonis injury status and update ahead of Kings’ game against Pistons

    The Sacramento Kings will be facing off against the Detroit Pistons in their upcoming game, and all eyes are on the status of star player Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is currently dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of the lineup in recent games.

    According to reports, Sabonis has been making progress in his recovery and is currently listed as questionable for the game against the Pistons. The team is hopeful that he will be able to return to action soon, but they are also being cautious with his recovery to ensure that he is fully healthy before returning to the court.

    Sabonis has been a key player for the Kings this season, averaging 19.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His absence has been felt on both ends of the court, and the team is eager to have him back in the lineup.

    Fans will have to wait and see if Sabonis will be able to suit up for the game against the Pistons, but regardless of his status, the Kings will be looking to put up a strong performance and secure a much-needed win. Stay tuned for further updates on Sabonis’ injury status as game time approaches.

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    #Domantas #Sabonis #injury #status #update #ahead #Kings #game #Pistons

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