IT’S the annual edition of let’s-see-how-wrong-my-first-All-Star-picks-will-be. I know that the two teams will be jumbled and mixed up depending on the captain’s picks, but there is still a dozen participants from each conference. So without further adieu…

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EASTERN CONFERENCE

STARTERS
Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Image from sbnation.com

THE biggest question surrounding the East All-Star starters is who will be the second backcourt star voted in? I’m sure no one will argue with the Lebron/Giannis/Embiid at the other three spots, and after his first third of the season, Kyrie has established himself as an offensive juggernaut that can lead a successful team. It comes down to a flip of the coin between Oladipo, Beal and DeRozan IMO. While I have mad love and respect for the latter duo, the way that Victor has become ‘the man’ after being ‘the forgotten man’ in the right/left corner of OKC’s offense last year makes me think he should (and probably will) get the fan support he deserves.

RESERVES
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

WITH the exception of the final wildcard spot I think the majority of the East is clear-cut. Beal has been out of his mind, DeRozan is the king of Toronto, Porzingis is a God if you ask the right New York people, Love is channelling Minnesota numbers, Simmons is something we have never seen and Drummond is having a career year. The toss up between Tobias Harris, Khris Middleton, Kemba Walker and whoever you think is the best Magic player is real and I gave Middleton the nod for what he has done to help the Bucks succeed with Jabari.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

STARTERS
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Demarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans

THE only surprise on this list might be the two NOLA big man getting the start. I don’t see another big man up seeding them for the fan favourite vote. Even though Steph missed a handful of injury influenced weeks he is still the fan’s favourite. Period. Sorry Russ, you miss out on the starting spot for at least another year.

RESERVES
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler, Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Karl Anthony-Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder

Image from ftw.usatoday.com

YOU can’t go wrong given the amount of depth and talent in the other conference. It wouldn’t be a West All-Star roster without a Damian Lillard omission. To be honest from the Portland games I’ve watched so far this season C.J. McCollum has looked like the best player on the court more times than Dame Dolla. Also, Tyreke Evans, Donovan Mitchell and Devin Booker are in the mix. Not enough to get a berth though.

Peace ✌️

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