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NBA: The 25 best NBA players never to make an All-Star game

By Josh Cornelissen

DENVER - NOVEMBER 9: Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets pumps his fist after a big play against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter on November 9, 2005 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
DENVER - NOVEMBER 9: Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets pumps his fist after a big play against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter on November 9, 2005 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images /

The 25 best NBA players never to make an All-Star game — 14. Serge Ibaka

Of the four active players on this list, Serge Ibaka had the latest debut, entering the league in the 2010 NBA Draft. A raw shot-blocking forward out of the Republic of the Congo, Ibaka developed over the years into a versatile two-way player, one who finally earned a championship with the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors.

Ibaka began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the lower-usage big man anchor of the Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden offensive trio. Ibaka’s best skill as a prospect has continued to be his best as a pro – he is a terror around the rim, blocking shots with abandon. Four times he led the league in total blocks (twice in blocks per game) and already ranks 29th in career blocks, closing in on the likes of Elvin Hayes and Jermaine O’Neal at the time of writing. He is behind only Dwight Howard in active players.

Far from a one-trick pony, Ibaka has the athleticism and foot speed to defend all across the court. When paired with a more traditional center, he can switch out onto the perimeter, and when slotted in at the five, he is an elite rim protector, both on-ball and on the weakside. Three times he made the All-Defensive First Team, all in a row from 2011-12 to 2013-14.
Offensively, Ibaka grew into a reliable shooter, first mastering the baseline jumper before extending to the corner and now around the arc. A career 36 percent shooter from outside, he has increased his volume to shoot more than three per game over the past five seasons.

Closest Call: The 2012-13 season was the best cross-section of his offensive and defensive impacts. He was a First Team All Defensive team selection while also ranking 12th in offensive rating. He finished with 9.4 win shares, 15th in the league, and was eighth in voting for Western Conference frontcourt players. He had a case to make it over David Lee or Zach Randolph, but it was certainly a crowded field.