Indiana Pacers: Is Domantas Sabonis making a case for NBA All-Star game?

The Indiana Pacers have a special player in Domantas Sabonis. With a fantastic start to 2019-2020, the power forward has made a case to be considered an NBA All-Star.

It is no secret that Domantas Sabonis has been the most important player for the Indiana Pacers so far this season.

Over his three seasons with the Pacers, Sabonis has steadily improved with time. The power forward’s development has translated into being one of the more well-rounded big men in the NBA.

Due to the consistent growth, the 23-year-old has proved he has yet to reach his ceiling. That has led Sabonis to be considered one of the league’s blossoming stars.

Entering this season, there was a sense of urgency by the Pacers’ front office to keep Sabonis under contract during the prime of his career.

That was solidified with Sabonis and the Pacers agreeing to a four-year, $77 million extension.

So far, he has lived up to the price tag, and for some, has exceeded expectations.

No matter the opponent, Sabonis has been dominate and a key piece to the Pacers picking up wins over some of the NBA’s best teams.

When the spotlight has been bright, Sabonis has risen to the occasion.

That was evident in his production in wins over the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers.

In those three contests, Sabonis averaged 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, and five assists.

Those performances put Sabonis in the national spotlight and allowed NBA fans around the world to witness his all-star potential first-hand.

Due to the recent surge of success, Sabonis has made a strong case for all-star consideration.

Not only has the power forward had dominating performances but has done so consistently throughout this first portion of the season.

His consistency has placed him amongst the top talents at his position.

The aspect of Sabonis’ game that has been most impressive this season is rebounding. His ability to grab boards alone could place him into all-star consideration.

Sabonis is currently fourth in the league in rebounds per game with an average of 13.5.

Last season, Sabonis averaged 9.3 rebounds. Andre Drummond leads with 15.9 rebounds.

The 2019-2020 campaign has been a significant jump in production and has solidified Sabonis’ ability to improve with each season.

Sabonis’ dominance on the boards has him placed in the mix of the league’s best big men and even more numbers back it up.

According to hoopsstats.com, Sabonis is the third-ranked power forward in the NBA with an efficiency rating of 25.8

Ahead of Sabonis is some pretty good company, Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks first (34.7), with Anthony Davis not far behind at the two spot (31.0).

Sabonis’ ability to be compared to two of the top five players in basketball is evidence as to why he should be considered an all-star this season.

However, being an all-star not only includes being productive statistically but being a leader and go-to option for your team.

Sabonis has been that option for the Pacers this season. Without the services of Victor Oladipo, the Pacers have had to lean on Sabonis, and he has delivered.

Since coming to the Pacers via trade in exchange for Paul George, Sabonis has exceeded expectations and has solidified the Pacers’ front office being one of the best in all of sports.

The ascension of Sabonis has been a joy for Pacers fans to watch while being a pain for opponents who have to defend the power forward on a nightly basis.

Luckily for Sabonis, things have come full circle and the power forward is starting to turn heads. With the rest of the NBA finally catching on to Sabonis and his value, the opportunity for him to be considered an all-star this season is a reality.

NBA all-star voting is officially open and Pacers fans worldwide will have no hesitation in casting a ballot.