NBA All Star Game 2014: Predicting the rosters

Eastern Conference Starters

Backcourt – John Wall, Washington – It’s time to get used to “John Wall, All-Star starter”, because he may be here for a while. The former #1 overall pick may not get the publicity that Kyrie Irving gets, but Wall has been much better overall this season, combining 19.6 points and 8.6 assists per game with top-flight defense (4th in the NBA in steals) and a playoff-bound Wizards team. At 23 years old, Wall is shooting a career-best 31.3 percent from beyond the arc (which still isn’t good, but more acceptable) and there is real development that could keep him here long-term.

Backcourt – Dwyane Wade, Miami – The absolute no-doubt choice in the starting backcourt. Much has been made of Wade’s “resting program”, but he’s still played in 28 games, and he’s been wonderful to watch when he’s out there. “Flash” is averaging just a shade under 20-5-5 for the year, and to do that in less than 34 minutes per game is stunning. It’s certainly a product of the state of the East backcourt, but Wade was one of the easier picks on the board.

Frontcourt – Lebron James, Miami – The easiest choice of all. I could probably write 2,000 words on LBJ for your consumption, but it’s easier to just say that he’s the best (and most valuable) player on Earth.

Frontcourt – Paul George, Indiana – 2013-2014 has been a breakout year for George, and he’s another no-doubter. I’ve stated repeatedly that he’s the best two-way player in the league that isn’t named “Lebron James”, and his offense has come around this season. George is up to 26 points per game on more than 45% shooting, and even after a 3-point shooting slump, he’s still putting up a career-high 38 percent from beyond the arc. Oh, did I mention that Indiana was the best team in the East this season?

Frontcourt – Roy Hibbert, Indiana – Joining his teammate, Paul George, in the starting lineup is Roy Hibbert and I’m as surprised as you are. The 7-foot-2 center will never blow you away with numbers (12.5 points, 7.9 rebounds per game), but his singular defensive presence is one of the reasons why Indiana is the best in the East right now. Hibbert is the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year honors by a wide margin, and it isn’t just his nearly 3 blocks per game, but rather the way he affects opposing offenses that gets him here. It’s easy to forget that defense counts, but because it is half the game, Hibbert is a worthy selection.