This year’s All-Star pool features a lot of deserving talent: some familiar faces, some arriving on the scene for the first time. Here’s a look at who got the starting nod:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Kevin Durant (BKN, captain!) - KD’s won’t participate in the All-Star game to a knee injury but still led all Eastern Conference vote-getters. When healthy, KD’s an MVP candidate w/ averages of nearly 29, 7 & 6 dimes on 52% shooting.
Joel Embiid (PHI) - Perhaps the frontrunner for MVP, Embiid’s been absolutely dominant thus far in 2021-22. Already a matchup problem, his mentality is to impose his will throughout the entire course of the game - his heightened aggression has led to a career-best 29/points/game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) - The reigning Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a staple for the All-Star game - the only question these days is whether or not he’s listed as a captain. Giannis has his sights set on back-to-back MVP trophies after capturing the award in 2021.
Season Avg: 28.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 6 apg, 53% shooting
DeMar DeRozan (CHI) - DeMar DeRozan’s been a “hand in glove” fit for the Chicago Bulls this season. A go-to scorer, playmaker and clutch option down he stretch of games, DeRozan’s already canned two buzzer-beater and helped lead CHI to the East’s second-best record (after finishing 11th in the conference last year).
Trae Young (ATL) - Despite ATL currently occupying the 12th spot in the East, we can’t discount how well Trae Young is playing at this season. Young’s 56-point, 14-dime! performance against the Trail Blazers earlier this month is a microcosm of his high level responsibility and productivity this season. After missing the All-Star game entirely in 2021, it’s nice retribution for Trae to get the start.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
LEBRON JAMES
18th straight All-Star start!
LeBron James (LAL, captain!) - For an NBA-record 18th! straight time, LeBron James is starting in the All-Star game. 18 years! - longer than most careers but somehow LeBron’s in the midst of one his best offensive zones we’ve ever seen from him. If the stats hold up, LeBron will finish with his highest scoring avg. (29.1 ppg) since 2007-08!
Nikola Jokić (DEN) - Like Joel Embiid and a few other names on this list, 2021 MVP Nikola Jokić has a real shot to capture the trophy in 2022 as well. Sans Jamal Murray for the entire season and Michael Porter Jr. for most of the year, “Joker” has shown, once again, how he’s able to carry an entire franchise on a nightly basis. His per game numbers are unreal: almost 26 points, 14 boards & 8 dimes.
Andrew Wiggins (GSW • 1st career selection) - Andrew Wiggins: NBA All-Star. Golden State’s two-way forward and Undisputed X-Factor broke through with a strong fan vote and tough play (avg. over 18 points & 4 boards on 48% shooting) on both ends on the floor. When Wiggins is fully engaged, the West’s second-best squad (35-13) is firing on all cylinders.
Ja Morant (MEM • 1st career selection) - There’s Ja! A very well-deserved starting spot, both team success (MEM: 33-17, 3rd in West) and individual success paved the way. Oh…there’s also the fact Morant’s one of the most exciting players in the league today: every night is guaranteed to produce a highlight.
Stephen Curry (GSW) - The NBA’s three-point king makes his 8th! All-Star appearance after helping to lead the Dubs to the second-best mark in the conference. Curry’s always in the running to win All-Star MVP but has never won the award. Is this the year he makes it happen?
Season Avg: 25.8 ppg, 6.2 apg, 5.4 rpg