The All-Star starters announcement is almost upon us and the NBA has changed the format completely in an effort to revive the game.
For first time in All-Star history, the format will be a mini-tournament, with four teams – three will be comprised of the 24 All-Star selections and the fourth will be the winner of the Rising Stars competition – and three games.
The two winners of the semifinal matchups will meet in the championship, and in each game, the first team to score 40 points will win.
For the starters, fan voting has accounted for 50 percent of the tally, then current NBA players made up 25 percent and a media panel another 25 percent.
The starters will be revealed at 7PM ET on Thursday’s TNT NBA Tip Off before the Heat vs. Bucks tips off.
The Basketball Forever writers have come together and voted for who they think will be the East and West starters and why.
East backcourt: Donovan Mitchell, LaMelo BallEast frontcourt: Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns
Why: Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Karl-Anthony Towns have been the outright best in the East at their respective positions this season. That fourth spot is a little more up for debate. Many will put Jalen Brunson as a starter, which of course is deserved. However, having a young, popular player like LaMelo in there will be sure to spice up the game. The guy plays like he’s in a streetball comp 24/7, which is sure to bring life back into the event.
Reserves: Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, Trae Young, Evan Mobley, Pascal Siakam, Cade Cunningham, Darius Garland
Having three players from the Cavs might be a little much, but hey, they’ve earned it. Jalen Brunson will be the biggest snub if he doesn’t make the first team.
West backcourt: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen CurryWest frontcourt: Nikola Jokić, LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama
Shai, Steph, Jokic and LeBron are a lock. SGA and Jokic MVP seasons and having LeBron and Steph share the court again is something special.
Again, that fifth spot can be filled with many options. It’s tough having AD and KD come off the bench, but again a bit of youthful exuberance from Wemby is what All-Star weekend needs. Wemby and LeBron battled it out on the court recently and seeing them on the same team will be absolutely epic.
Reserves: Anthony Edwards, De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Alperen Sengun, Norman Powell , Jalen Williams
KD and AD will be the biggest snubs if they don’t make the first team.
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