Who Made the Cut? Breaking Down the NBA All-Star Reserves Selection Process

As I sat watching the TNT broadcast last night, I couldn't help but marvel at the shooting display put on by RR Pogoy and his teammates. The way they connected on 14-of-37 from three-point range reminded me why the NBA All-Star reserves selection process fascinates me every year. You see, when we talk about who makes the cut for the All-Star game, we're essentially discussing what constitutes value in today's NBA - and performances like TNT's shooting clinic last night perfectly illustrate why this conversation matters.

Let me be honest here - I've always believed the reserves selection process is where the real drama unfolds. While starters get chosen through a combination of fan, media, and player votes, the reserves come down to the coaches' decisions, and that's where things get particularly interesting. Watching veteran guard RR Pogoy knock down five three-pointers while his teammates contributed their share from beyond the arc, I was struck by how these individual performances build cases throughout the season. Coaches notice these things, even when national media might not. They see how players like Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac, who each hit two threes in that game, contribute to winning basketball beyond just scoring numbers.

The selection criteria have evolved significantly over the years, and from my perspective, they've gotten much better at capturing what truly matters. I remember when raw scoring averages dominated the conversation, but now we're seeing more appreciation for efficiency and two-way impact. Take Kelly Williams going a perfect 2-of-2 from three - that's the kind of efficient production that catches coaches' eyes, even if the volume isn't staggering. Coaches value players who maximize their opportunities and understand their roles within team systems. Glenn Khobuntin's two three-pointers might not jump off the stat sheet, but within the context of that specific game, they were crucial baskets that helped space the floor and create opportunities for others.

What many fans don't realize is how much weight coaches give to consistency and availability. A player might have a spectacular 40-point game that goes viral on social media, but coaches will take note of the player who gives them 15 efficient points night after night while playing solid defense. The 37 three-point attempts by TNT in that game represent a season-long trend in today's NBA - the game has shifted toward perimeter scoring, and the All-Star selection process reflects that evolution. We're seeing more guards and wings selected as reserves because that's where the game is headed, and coaches recognize which players excel in these modern systems.

Having followed this process for over a decade, I've developed my own preferences about what makes a deserving All-Star reserve. Personally, I value players who elevate their teams in meaningful games and demonstrate versatility. The fact that TNT had five different players make multiple threes in that contest speaks to the kind of balanced offensive attack that wins games in this league. That unselfish, team-oriented basketball should be rewarded when coaches fill out their ballots. I'll admit I sometimes disagree with the final selections - there's always that one player I believe got snubbed - but overall, the coaches get it right more often than not.

The beauty of the reserves selection lies in its unpredictability. Unlike the starter selections, which often follow predictable patterns, the reserves can produce genuine surprises. A player having a breakout season, like someone from that TNT lineup potentially could, might just play their way into consideration with consistent performances. The 14 made threes that night didn't happen by accident - they resulted from systematic execution and individual skill, exactly the combination coaches look for when evaluating All-Star candidates. As we approach this year's announcement, I'm watching for those players who contribute to winning in multiple ways, not just the high scorers.

Ultimately, the reserves selection process represents the most accurate reflection of how NBA insiders view player value. While fans might gravitate toward flashy highlights and social media narratives, coaches understand context, efficiency, and intangible contributions. The next time you watch a player like RR Pogoy drain five threes in a game, or Kelly Williams perfect shooting night, remember that these performances build resumes that coaches notice and remember when filling out their ballots. That's what makes this annual selection process so compelling - it's where professional recognition meets on-court production in its purest form.