All Star lineups have been released today in full and as always there’s plenty to debate.
Bradley Beal was finally named a starter last week, rewarded for his stellar play in a poor Wizards team.
Zach LaVine and Julius Randle were also given their All-Star Debuts today off the bench for their great play to start the season, but many others were left off the squads with some interesting omissions.
Trae Young was somewhat snubbed, as the NBA clearly didn’t get the memo that the game was being held in Atlanta, leaving out the lone Atlanta all-star from last season. Trae has averaged 26.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 9.5 APG in a team looking to push for playoff contention out East this season, yet was overlooked in the guard department.
Defensively, Young has some work to do, but the All-Star game consists of 0 defence. Tough pill to swallow for Trae.
Anthony Davis was named as an All-Star ahead of some worthy candidates. AD won’t be suiting up in the big game, and will more than likely be replaced by someone who deserves the spot over him in the first place, Phoenix Suns stud Devin Booker. Booker’s team mate Chris Paul was surprisingly selected ahead of him, however, there’s no doubting both belong in this game given their start to the season. Paul did take the PG slot in favour of Mike Conley, who had a big case to make the dance this season, averaging 16.4 PPG, 5.6 APG, and 3.4 RPG.
Utah Jazz has the best overall record in the NBA and deserves to have 3 All-Stars in the big game, joining Mitchell and Gobert in the West lineup.
Devin Booker may have a fight on his hands after all to be Anthony Davis’ replacement…
Domantas Sabonis would feel fairly hard done by to not sneak in a bench spot this year, averaging 21.5 PPG, 11.6 RPG, and 5.7 APG. He does it all!
Sabonis should have got the nod over Nikola Vucevic in Orlando, with Indiana fighting for a top 4 finish out East, whilst Orlando are battling it out to get into playoff contention with a below .500 record. Winning needs to be rewarded!
A notable mention, if talking other bigs who should be there over the likes of Vucevic, then look no further than Bam Adebayo.
Bam has been brilliant this season, carrying the Miami team through a tough stretch where most of his teammates have missed a lot of games due to health and safety protocols, Bam has averaged 19.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, and 5.5 APG, keeping this team within touching distance of yet another Southeast Division title.
Damian Lillard was named one of the Reserves today, and there’s no doubt he will have a chip on his shoulder heading into this one.
Dame has been phenomenal this season, carrying a team without their 2nd and 3rd best players to the 5th best record in the Western Conference.
Again when talking about rewarding winning, he should be starting ahead of Luka Doncic, and will be a sneaky for MVP honours as he will look to come out firing!
Who’s your pick for MVP in the big game, and who’s coming in for AD??
Bauky.