All Star Selections Shake Up Expectations in Anticipation for Star-Studded Weekend.
March 19, 2021
The NBA All-star teams have been picked for the All-Star game and weekend on March 7th. Both Team LeBron and Team Kevin have packed rosters, and fans are in for a night of high-scoring action.
West All-Stars:
- LeBron James: One of the greatest to ever play, his 17th straight all-star selection (Most in NBA history).
- Stephen Curry: The greatest shooter of his generation in one of his best seasons ever coming off an injured season that did not see him take to the court, his 7th selection.
- Luka Doncic: Another amazing shooter for the Dallas Mavericks, his second selection in his second year in the league.
- Nikola Jokic: One of the best centers in the league averaging 27 points per game for the Denver Nuggets, his 3rd selection.
- Kawhi Leonard: The driving force of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been averaging 27 points per game as well, his 5th selection.
West All-Stars:
- Paul George: Also from the Clippers, averaging 24 a game, his 7th selection.
- Rudy Gobert: The scoring big man from the Utah Jazz, averaging 13 rebounds per game, this will be his second appearance.
- Donovan Mitchell: Another key player from the team with the best record in the league, the Utah Jazz, a two time all-star and winner of the 2018 NBA Dunk Contest.
- Damian Lillard: Star of the Portland Trailblazers, averaging 30 points per game, this will mark his 6th appearance.
- Chris Paul: The 6’0 league veteran from the Phoenix Suns (his first year on the team), his 11th selection.
- Zion Williamson: Another player in his second year, star of the New Orleans Pelicans averaging 26 points per game and making his first all-star appearance.
- Anthony Davis: The second half of the LA Lakers duo alongside LeBron James, was in the running for league MVP last season but will not play in this year’s all-star game due to a leg injury.
Due to his injury, his stop at the game will be filled by:
- Devin Booker: The sharpshooter from the Suns, will make his second appearance. Booker technically did not make the all star team, but was considered to be the most deserving and will take Davis’ spot. Some fans are confused though, as he beat out Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant and other players considered by many to be just as good.
East All-Stars:
- Kevin Durant: One of the greatest of his generation, playing his first season for the Brooklyn Nets after sitting out last year due to injury, averaging 29 points a game and making his 11th selection. He has recently been sitting due to another injury and could possibly have his spot in the all-star game replaced by Indiana Pacers player Domontas Sabonis.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Last year’s league MVP and star of the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 29 points per game and 12 rebounds this season.
- Bradley Beal: The league’s current leading scorer from the Washington Wizards, averaging 33 points per game alongside former all-star Russel Westbrook, who did not make the cut this year. This is his third selection.
- Joel Embiid: The Philadelphia 76ers center from Cameroon, in the running for this year’s league MVP, having a career season so far averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds per game.
- Kyrie Irving: Teammate of team captain Kevin Durant, his second season in Brooklyn averaging 27 points and 3 three-pointers per game.
East All-Stars:
- Jaylen Brown: The Boston Celtics player averaging 25 points per game and making his first appearance as an all-star
- James Harden: Last year’s leading scorer in his 2nd month of playing for the Brooklyn Nets (making Brooklyn the only team with 3 all-stars). Harden couldn’t get to the level of being a starter this season, but is still averaging 25 a game for his ninth selection.
- Zach Lavine: Former Dunk Contest winner and star of the Chicago Bulls, averaging 29 points per game and making his debut as an all-star.
- Julius Randle: The only player from the New York Knicks to be selected, the center has been averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game, and also is a first-time all star
- Ben Simmons: The second part of the 76ers duo helping them, along with Joel Embiid, to the best record in the east. The three-time all-star has been averaging 16 points per game and 8 rebounds.
- Jayson Tatum: The star for the Boston Celtics, averaging near 26 points per game so far.
- Nikola Vucevic: The Orlando Magic’s only player selected, averaging a career high 24 points and 12 rebounds.
The NBA All-Star game will be March 7th in Atlanta, with the Dunk Contest taking place during halftime. It marks the halfway point in the NBA season, and is looks to be one of the best yet.