All-Star voting has opened, and PerSources, as you all know, is big on the NBA. As fans, analysts, and reporters start to cast their votes for the best of the best, we look to discuss our All-Star starter predictions as well as who the captains will be. Later on, we’ll also take on the task of discussing who the reserves will be.
Eastern Conference
Captain/Frontcourt Starter: F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokoumpo has been arguably the best player in the Eastern Conference this season. In 31 games, he’s averaging 26.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. He’s been as good as any player in the league. Giannis, even with the lack of an apparent jumpshot, has been dominating the paint against everybody. He even has the Bucks at 24-10, good for second in the Eastern Conference.
The “Greek Freak” is an MVP candidate, and even when your favorite team knows he’s driving into the paint, they can’t stop him. The combo of Giannis with the best free agent pickup (Mike Budenholzer) makes him a threat. Giannis is more than deserving of the All-Star nod and even more deserving of being a captain. Hopefully, fans and analysts alike, think the same.
Backcourt Starter: G Kyrie Irving
“Uncle Drew” is. without a doubt, one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference at this point in the season. Although the Celtics have had a rather slow start, Irving has picked up steam. This season, Irving is averaging 23.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. His points are down in comparison to recent years, but that’s expected considering the firepower the Celtics have on their roster.
In light of this, Irving is putting up a career high in assists. The Celtics are climbing the standings, as they currently sit at fifth in the East at 20-14. With the fearless Celtics leader shooting at 49% and being as much of a bucket-getter as ever, Uncle Drew should be in line for his sixth All-Star game appearance.
Backcourt Starter: G Kemba Walker
This spot was probably the hardest to decide on. This spot could’ve easily gone to Raptors PG Kyle Lowry. However, I believe that Kemba has been the better option and player thus far.
In a previous article, I broke down Kemba and the hype around him. So far this season, he ‘s proven to be a top PG in the East. In comparison to the other players on the East’s list, Kemba hasn’t really been leading his team to many victories. The Hornets sit at 17-17, six
When most people discuss the flaws of Kemba Walker, they discuss how he isn’t able to put wins on the board for his team. However, I don’t think that should stop him from being a starter. He’s averaging 25.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
We can all agree that a Kemba has been on a tear this year. His 43% FG% is not so hot, but nevertheless, Kemba is performing at an All-Star level. Of course, players such as Ben Simmons, Kyle Lowry, or even Victor Oladipo could be in the discussion, but this is simply my prediction and opinion.
Frontcourt Starter: F Kawhi Leonard
For anyone, this has to be a rather obvious decision. After being traded to the Toronto Raptors, there were rumors that Kawhi Leonard would perhaps sit out the season. This wasn’t the case at all.
Despite all the noise about his free agency in the summer, and the literal noise that is his laugh, Kawhi has balled out.
The Raptors (for now) have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 26-11.
Under Nick Nurse, Kawhi has been absolutely sensational. He’s averaging 26.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3 assists. It’s a given that Kawhi will always be the best defensive player in the league, but his scoring abilities are top notch. Having the Raptors as the top team in the East, and in my opinion, the favorites in the Eastern
Frontcourt Starter: C Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is the best center in the NBA and deserves this last frontcourt spot more than anyone you can think of. The 7’0″ big man has done it all for the 76ers this season.
He’s been destroying teams in the paint and giving them work behind the arc. Embiid is as versatile of a player as they come. He’s recently questioned his role and usage since the Jimmy Butler trade. However, he’s still averaging 26.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He also leads the league in double-doubles.
The Sixers currently hold a 23-13 record, fourth in the Eastern Conference. Embiid has been the NBA’s premier big man this season and even a candidate for MVP. The 76ers will be in play for the first seed all season long and that will be largely due to Joel Embiid’s play.
Western Conference
Captain/Frontcourt Starter: F LeBron James
The King. The Greatest of All Time. King James. And everything else you want to call him. LeBron James is the best basketball player on the planet, and this season has been no different. It’s safe to say LeBron has led the new-look Lakers to a start that’s rather exceeded expectations.
At 20-15 and fifth in the West, he’s leading the Lakers to contending in the stacked Western Conference. However, after suffering a groin injury against the Warriors on Christmas Day, the amount of games missed may or may not compromise his spot as the captain.
LeBron is currently averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. This man, if it’s not known already, is a culture-changer. That’s what he’s done for the Lakers this season. He’s more than deserving of his record 15th All-Star selection.
Backcourt Starter: G Stephen Curry
Wardell Stephen Curry II has been (as expected) sensational this season. The Warriors aren’t the 73-win team they were in 2016, but a team with four other former All-Stars make up for it.
The greatest shooter in NBA history continues to tear it up behind the arc and sauce it up in the paint. Behind Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and soon to be DeMarcus Cousins, Curry still keeps the spotlight on him and rightfully so. So far this season, he’s tallied 28.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
The Warriors currently sit at 23-13, which is second in the West. Curry is the NBA’s best PG and deserves a starting spot just as much as anyone you can name. The two-time MVP will swiftly find his way into being an All-Star starter. Depending on how much LeBron’s injury affects him, Curry may even be in line to be a captain.
Backcourt Starter: G James Harden
The Beard has once again taken the league by storm and isn’t letting up by a long shot. Harden is one of the best scorers in today’s game and has even taken up playmaking duties in the absence of Chris Paul.
To put into more detail how dominant James Harden has been this season, he’s averaging 39.2 PPG in his last nine games, and 32.7 for the season which
Harden has been on fire recently, and he’s pretty confident that the MVP award is coming back to him. There’s no doubt that he could certainly accomplish the feat, but for now, his play is more enough for his seventh All-Star selection.
Frontcourt Starter: F Kevin Durant
If you didn’t think the “EasyMoneySniper” was going to be on this list, then you must also think Derrick Rose will be an All-Star. Kevin Durant is, and has been, the best player on the Warriors this season. The chatter is always going to surround him and his free agency decision or his comments about LeBron. However, he always brings his all onto the court, proving more and more that everyone hates him just because he’s “so damn good at basketball.”
Along with Stephen Curry, Durant is a large part in the Warriors’ 23-13 record. This is thanks to his season averages of 28.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. Kevin Durant is damn near one of the best scorers in NBA history, and he proves it to us every day. It’s clear that he’s in line for his 10th All-Star game appearance.
Frontcourt Starter: C Anthony Davis
The future Los Angeles Laker (just kidding) has been one of the NBA’s premier big men. Unlike most the players on the list, Davis hasn’t really been leading his team to many wins. The New Orleans Pelicans sit at 16-20, 14th in the West. That’s very disappointing. Nevertheless, this isn’t about winning but rather about individual performance. He’s averaging 28.8 points, 13 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
The Brow is one of those players who just amazes us every time he steps onto the court. Whether he becomes a Laker eventually or not, let’s stay on track and recognize how much he deserves his sixth All-Star nod.
This projected list of All-Star starters may be obvious or debatable. Either way, every player on this list deserves it. However, these picks are also just opinions.
Do you feel that I got a starter wrong? Do you have different opinions as to who should start in the All-Star game? Debate and/or discuss with me.