The NBA All-Star break is here. While most players are enjoying their break, the elite few that were named to the All-Star teams are preparing for Sundays East versus West showdown.
While most of the players don’t really take this game serious, it’s fun for the fans and players alike. Once a year we get to witness some of the greatest basketball players on earth play each other. In a game where defense is nearly nonexistent, there will surely be some great plays.
East All-Stars
Thanks to the new voting format, the East’s starting center is either going to be Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. What this team lacks in height, they make up for with excellent versatility. The forward combination of Melo, LeBron, and Paul George will be very hard to stop.
Many people felt that John Wall should’ve been the starting point guard, however; the fans felt differently. Kyrie Irving will be the East’s point man and will have plenty of options to pass the ball to. Starting at shooting guard is the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. Wade has battled injuries much of the season and is probably undeserving of the All-Star selection. Wade has said that he will play, although I expect his minutes to be limited.
The reserves for the East were a hot topic for debate. Many people felt that Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry was much more deserving than Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson. The East have three excellent defensive big men in Roy Hibbert, Joakim Noah, and Chris Paul. I would expect these two players to see a lot of playing time, especially when you consider there is no real center among the starters. Hawk’s forward Paul Millsap was another player many people were surprised got in. Millsap has had great production this season but many people felt Charlotte’s center Al Jefferson was more deserving. John Wall and DeMar DeRozan round out the final two reserve spots and they will fill in nicely at both guard positions.
Most Unworthy – Joe Johnson
It’s hard to say that anyone is unworthy of an All-Star selection because they are all tremendously talented. However, the selection of Johnson is pretty baffling.
On the season, Johnson is averaging a very average 15 points, two assists, and three rebounds, all while shooting a meager 43 percent. Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry is averaging nearly 17 points, seven assists, and four rebounds per game. From a statistical standpoint it’s pretty clear who is more deserving.
If you need even more convincing, Lowry’s Raptors are currently third in the East and currently have a winning record, unlike the Nets.
Team MVP – Carmelo Anthony
Anthony has had to suffer through a rough season with the Knicks. But now, for one night Melo will have some more than capable teammates. Last year Melo led the East in scoring and rebounding and I would expect the same this year.
West All-Stars
While the East don’t have a single starter that’s taller than 6’9”, the West has three starters that eclipse the 6’10” mark. While they too lack a true center, the forward combination of Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Kevin Love will be tough for the East to defend. Each player will bring their unique talents to the game but the West will certainly have an advantage rebounding the ball.
With Kobe Bryant withdrawing from the All-Star game, James Harden will take his place as a starter. Once teammates, Harden and Durant’s dynamic scoring abilities will be on full display. Rounding out the starters is Stephen Curry. Curry is in the midst of a breakout year and he has established himself as one of the best point guards in the league.
With his amazing shooting range and playmaking abilities, Curry should be in for a great game. The West is a very well-rounded team as they have a great combination of inside and outside presence.
The reserves is really where the depth and talent of the West is on full display. The West have three more dominant big men waiting on their bench in LaMarcus Aldridge, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis. Each big man has their strengths, and that versatility will be hard for the East to stop.
The West bench also has a great collection of point guards in Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, and Tony Parker. In place of Kobe Bryant, Anthony Davis earned his first All-Star selection. Only in his second year, Davis has had a breakout season and has been a major force on both sides of the ball. The most controversial of these selections was Dirk Nowitzki. While Dirk is having a great bounce back season, his production is lacking compared to some who didn’t make it. Dirk has been suffering from an ankle injury and it likely he won’t play much.
Most Unworthy – Dirk Nowitzki
Much like the East, all of the players elected are very well deserving. However, Dirk’s selection is more of a lifetime achievement award rather than his current production. Dirk is currently averaging 21 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game. These are very respectable numbers, however; they pale in comparison to a few other players. Before Kobe’s withdrawal, both Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins were snubbed. Fortunately for Davis, he was selected as Kobe’s replacement. Cousins on the other hand was not as lucky and he will have to wait until next year for his first All-Star appearance. Cousins was certainly deserving of a selection this year as he is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists per game.
Team MVP – Kevin Durant
With so many great players, there are many options for who could win the MVP. So far this season Durant has been the clear favorite for the MVP and he has done it all for the Thunder. There’s no reason to believe that Durant won’t continue his great production. Last year Durant scored 30 points in the West’s win. While 30 points is now the norm for Durant, I would expect similar production.