Australian star Ben Simmons has been overlooked for All-Star selection for the fourth time in three weeks.
The Melbourne-born player's latest opportunity to make the February 18 NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles arose when All-Star New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear.
But on Friday league commissioner Adam Silver selected Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker to take Porzingis' place in Team LeBron.
Simmons averages more rebounds, assists, steals and blocks this season than Walker but the Hornets guard has scored an extra six points per game.
It was the third time Silver had chosen experience over the rookie, after Miami guard Goran Dragic replaced injured Cleveland forward-centre Kevin Love and guard John Wall was replaced by Detroit Pistons centre Andre Drummond.