Yesterday, Jan. 30, the NBA All-Star game reserves were announced. The week before, the All-Star game starters were announced and many favorites were voted in as starters. The West starters are LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The East starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell of the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Western Conference All-Stars:
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): Wembanyama has quickly become one of the NBA’s most dominant forces in just his second season. Averaging 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and a league-leading 3.9 blocks per game, his two-way impact is undeniable. This marks the first of what is expected to be many All-Star selections for the French phenom.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies): Jackson has elevated his game this season, becoming the Grizzlies’ best player while averaging 22.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and maintaining elite defensive metrics. His shot-blocking and improved scoring efficiency have solidified his role as a cornerstone for Memphis.
- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers): Davis has been the Lakers’ most consistent performer, posting 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and elite defensive numbers. Even with LeBron James as a starter, AD’s dominance on both ends made him an All-Star lock.
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves): Edwards continues to carry the Timberwolves despite roster changes, thriving as a high-volume three-point shooter (42% on 9.8 attempts per game). His growing offensive efficiency and leadership have kept Minnesota competitive in the West.
- Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder): With Chet Holmgren sidelined, Williams has stepped up as the second-best player on the West’s top team. Averaging 21.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists, his versatility has been key to OKC’s dominance.
- Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets): Şengün has led the Rockets’ transformation into contenders, averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists. His playmaking and improved defense have made him a vital piece under head coach Ime Udoka.
- James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers): Harden has silenced critics with his resurgence, putting up 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. His elite blend of scoring and playmaking has helped the Clippers climb the standings.
Eastern Conference All-Stars:
- Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers): Mobley has taken a leap in his fourth season, contributing 18.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and elite defense. His physicality and improved shooting have made him a key piece in Cleveland’s rise to the top of the East.
- Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics): Despite a slight dip in efficiency, Brown remains a crucial part of Boston’s success, averaging 23.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists. His two-way play keeps the Celtics in title contention.
- Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers): Siakam has stepped up as Indiana’s leader, averaging 20.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting a career-high 41.8% from three. His versatile skill set has been vital to the Pacers’ resurgence.
- Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers): Garland has bounced back from injury, averaging 21.7 points and 6.8 assists while forming a lethal backcourt with Donovan Mitchell. His speed, shooting and playmaking have been crucial to Cleveland’s offensive success.
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons): Cunningham has finally lived up to his No. 1 pick potential, averaging 25 points, 6.4 rebounds and 9.3 assists. His improved shooting and leadership have propelled the Pistons into playoff contention.
- Tyler Herro (Miami Heat): With Jimmy Butler’s absence and Bam Adebayo’s struggles, Herro has stepped up as Miami’s go-to guy. Averaging 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 40% from three, he’s proving he can be a franchise cornerstone.
- Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks): Lillard’s partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken off, and he remains an elite scorer and playmaker. Averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists, he’s kept Milwaukee in the hunt for the East’s top spot.
