All-Star Reserves
Team Giannis (No. 9) – Khris Middleton
Just like last year, Giannis’ first pick among the reserves is going to be his teammate, Khris Middleton. The 28 year old averages 20.3 points in just 29.2 minutes with shooting splits of 51/44/90.
Team LeBron (No. 10) – Damian Lillard
Perhaps the hottest player in the league right now, Damian Lillard will be one of the first reserves off the board. Portland’s been a disappointment, but Lillard has not, averaging 29.8 points and 7.9 assists.
Team Giannis (No. 11) – Jimmy Butler
Miami has been one of the better stories in the league this season, and Jimmy Butler has a lot to do with that. He’s one of the best two-way players in the sport, averaging 20.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his first season in Miami.
Team LeBron (No. 12) – Ben Simmons
I’d say Ben Simmons is one of the more underappreciated players in the NBA. He’s a tremendous talent on both ends of the floor, regardless of his lack of shooting. Simmons is averaging 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists for Philadelphia.
Team Giannis (No. 13) – Nikola Jokic
Who’s the best center in the NBA? Jokic, Embiid or Gobert? That’s a tough question, but Jokic has a strong case. He’s averaging 20.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists on one of the better teams in the Western Conference.
Team LeBron (No. 14) – Chris Paul
Another surprise team this season has been Oklahoma City, led by veteran Chris Paul, who has his swagger back after an off season a year ago. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists for the Thunder.
Team Giannis (No. 15) – Kyle Lowry
This will be Kyle Lowry‘s sixth consecutive All-Star appearance. That’s quite an accomplishment for the Villanova product who also won a championship last season. Lowry is averaging 19.4 points and 7.3 assists for Toronto.
Team LeBron (No. 16) – Donovan Mitchell
Hey! A Utah Jazz player! Finally! While I see Gobert as the better player, I also see Donovan getting picked above him in the draft. His athleticism will be on full display during the All-Star game and I think he’ll be a familiar face when it comes to the All-Star game for years to come.
Team Giannis (No. 17) – Russell Westbrook
Many were upset that Russell Westbrook made the All-Star team, but the fact is, he’s picked up his play over the last month and has been a monster. On the season, the future Hall of Famer is putting up 26.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
Team LeBron (No. 18) – Brandon Ingram
The Pelicans may have lost Anthony Davis over the summer, but they gained another All-Star in Brandon Ingram. He’s thrived in his new home, averaging 25.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He’s still only 22 years old and still has a ton of upside.
Team Giannis (No. 19) – Rudy Gobert
I can’t explain to you all how happy and proud I am to see Rudy Gobert in the All-Star game! People will complain that he isn’t entertaining and is the only one playing defense, but he’s just as deserving as anyone else listed here. He’s a dominant force on both ends of the court and still has plenty of room to grow.
Team LeBron (No. 20) – Bam Adebayo
The Heat made the right move by trading Hassan Whiteside to Portland, because it’s allowed Bam Adebayo to shine. The first time All-Star is a triple-double threat for Miami, averaging 15.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Team Giannis (No. 21) – Jayson Tatum
Many thought that Jayson Tatum‘s teammate, Jaylen Brown, deserved to be an All-Star, but I think Tatum is the guy. He’s improved a ton since entering the league and has taken the offensive leap that Boston needed. He’s averaging 21.7 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Team LeBron (No. 22) – Domantas Sabonis
I really hate to have Domantas Sabonis last here. He’s definitely not the worst player in this group, but this is how the draft goes. Sometimes friendship will come before talent. Sabonis has been Indiana’s best player, averaging 18.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists.