Which players should start in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game?
With the NBA All-Star Game ballot just recently coming out, that signals that hardcore fans can start selecting who they feel or want to see performing in the 2015 All-Star Contest on February 15, 2015 at the famous Madison Square Garden. Since the voting process has begun, I thought I’d predict what I think the starters should look like for both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference teams.
(FYI: Let’s remember that the center position has been taken out and now it’s possible that three forwards could start in the frontcourt.) Ok, let’s jump into it…
Eastern Conference Starters
Washington Wizards Point Guard John Wall
There are four point guards in the East that have a realistic shot at starting and that’s Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Lowry, and John Wall. As of right now, Wall has been the most consistent player of the four and has led the Wizards to the third-best record in the East at 20-8. Rose has been in-and-out of the lineup too much to deserve to start and Irving – who is Wall’s closest competition for the starting point guard spot – hasn’t been quite as good as Wall has this season. We’ll get to Lowry in a minute. Wall is averaging 18.0 ppg, 10.5 apg (second in the league), 2.0 spg (second in the league), while steadily improving his jump shot and is taking more command offensively for the Wizards.
Toronto Raptors Point Guard Kyle Lowry
With no two-guard deserving to start (No, not you Dwayne Wade), it looks like the East starting backcourt could feature two point guards and I think it should. Kyle Lowry would be the easy selection. He’s not an ideal choice to start but he’s earned it. The Toronto Raptors have the best record in the East (22-7) and Lowry’s a major reason because of it. Lowry’s (20.0 ppg, 7.7 apg, 4.7 rpg, 44 FG%) slashing and ability to put pressure on his opponent by driving to the hoop has been the calling card for him all season. Lowry has put the Raptors on his back all year and has come up big in key moments when they have needed him most. Hopefully the fans recognize him and give him the credit he deserves.
Cleveland Cavaliers Small Forward LeBron James
What’s new? King James locking down a forward spot in the All-Star Game every year has become a routine. The three-time top vote getter has not looked as explosive or high-flying like in years past but he’s still steadier than ever. All season LeBron has been focusing on familiarizing himself with the games of new Cavs stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and has at times deferred to them. In the last couple of games, he seems to be picking up his play and I’ve seen a new burst of energy from him. On the year, LeBron is second in the league in scoring (25.4 ppg), fifth in assists (7.6 apg), is snagging 5.1 rpg, and is shooting 49 FG% from the field. This one isn’t even debatable.
Miami Heat Power Forward Chris Bosh
Now that LeBron is gone and D-Wade is a shell of himself, Bosh has returned to the starring lead rule that he once had during his days as a Toronto Raptor. He’s playing the role nicely too. Bosh (21.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 47 FG%) has been the Heat’s best player this season. He’s looked keen, aggressive, and has carried the offensive load for Miami the same way he did when he was a Raptor. Bosh is showing the basketball world that he’s more than capable enough of being the No.1 option on a possible playoff team again.
Chicago Bulls Power Forward Pau Gasol
Coming over from the Lakers, Pau Gasol has looked rejuvenated and fresh with Chicago this season. The most skilled big man in basketball could be the missing piece that the Bulls need to win the East and he’s surely played like it so far. Big brother Gasol (18.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 47 FG%) is doing what he does best: posting, shooting, using his right hand around the basket as well as he uses his left hand, passing, rebounding at a high level, and just commanding a formidable post presence for the Bulls that they have not had in years. Many critics felt like Gasol had lost a step last year with the Lakers, but he’s showing the league that he’s still an elite big man.
Western Conference Starters
Golden State Warriors Point Guard Stephen Curry
In my opinion, Stephen Curry is the MVP front-runner. He’s been off the charts this season leading the Warriors to the league’s best record at 23-4 and has simply settled in comfortably as the team leader. This season Curry (23.1 ppg, 7.7 apg, 5.2 rpg, 2.0 spg, 48 FG%) is doing his best superstar impression and letting everyone know that he belongs alongside the likes of the LeBrons, Durants, and Kobes in the world. No question he should start.
Houston Rockets Shooting Guard James Harden
No two-guard has looked as sharp, decisive, and unstoppable as The Beard has. If Curry is the MVP front-runner, than Harden has to be the runner-up right now. With star center Dwight Howard missing ample time with an injury, Harden has carried the load for the Rockets for most of the year. He’s the league’s leading scorer at 27.0 ppg and is putting up 7.0 apg, 6.2 rpg, and 2.0 spg. It’s Harden’s best all-around year to date and if he can keep these numbers up, than an MVP award won’t be too far from his sight in the near future.
Los Angeles Clippers Power Forward Blake Griffin
The NBA’s league-leader in putting players on dunk posters has improved his game dramatically over the last two years. Griffin’s offensive game has developed into being polished and proficient. Offensively, Griffin is the Clippers go-to player on offense and if L.A. wants to get to the next level, Blake’s game most continue to grow. His stat line for the season is: 22.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 4.7 apg, 48 FG%. Blake has been as good as any forward in the West this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Power Forward Anthony Davis
If there’s one player that has made the jump from an all-star player to a star player then it has been Anthony Davis this season. I know his team performance has been subpar but forget about that for right now and just watch this guy do work on the basketball court. He’s been a nice combination of phenomenal production, top-notch athleticism, and a forte to playmake with teh best of them. The Brow is throwing up 24.5 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.8 bpg, and is shooting 57% from the field and if the Pelicans had a actual chance of making the postseason than his chances of winning the MVP would be looking pretty good right now.
Memphis Grizzlies Center Marc Gasol
Never overwhelming or overpowering but always dependable and substantial to the success of the Grizzlies. Marc Gasol has been as effective and valuable to Memphis this season than ever before. Gasol’s high IQ for the game has been on display and Memphis’s 21-7 record (third in the West) shows that. The only other center out West that can say he deserves to start at center over Gasol (19.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.8 apg, 50 FG%) is the Kings DeMarcus Cousins. Being the best player one of the league’s five best teams will and should give Gasol the starting spot.
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