For me, the Eastern Conference Allstars are harder to pick. Normally it’s because they don’t have as many talented players in the conference but this year it’s because they have a lot of worthy guys. Especially with Harden moving East and KD coming back.
Eastern Conference Starters.
Guard 1 – Bradley Beal
The Wizards might have one of the worst records in the league but Beal still has a great case to be an Allstar starter. He’s averaging 33 ppg which is leading the NBA and also getting 5 rebounds and 4 assists. No other guard is playing better than him in the East.
Guard 2 – Kyrie Irving
Kyrie is having the best season of his career averaging 28 ppg with 6 assists and 4 rebounds. He hasn’t appeared in every Nets game this year but he still should be the starter. It also helps that the Nets are the 2nd best team in the East.
Forward/Center 1 – Kevin Durant
The non guards are the easy picks in the East. Kevin Durant came back from his achilles injury and it’s like he was never hurt. Putting up 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists he has a case for MVP and is an easy pick as a starter in the East. He also will probably be the captain for the first time.
Forward/Center 2 – Joel Embiid
The best big man in the league, Joel is another easy pick as a starter. The Sixers are the best team in the East and he’s averaging 30 ppg and 11 rebounds so there isn’t a case for anyone over him.
Forward/Center 3 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis won’t be the East captain this year but he will certainly be a starter. He’s having another monster year averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Like I said, the non guard starters are all easy picks.
Reserves
Reserve Guard 1 – Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown will for sure be making his first Allstar appearance this season. You could make the case he’s the best player on the Celtics roster. He’s having a great year averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists with some great defense. He could have made it last year but his case wasn’t strong enough. That won’t be a problem this year.
Reserve Guard 2 – James Harden
Harden moved East and hasn’t missed a stepped playing with 2 other All-NBA players. He’s in more of a facilitator role with the Nets and is leading the NBA with 11 but he’s also putting up 25 points and 7 rebounds. He’s playing well enough to be a starter and very well could be.
Reserve Guard 3 – Trae Young
Trae was a starter last season but his numbers have dipped a little. The Hawks are a better team though. Easy pick as an Allstar with his 26 points and 9 rebounds per game.
Reserve Forward/Center 1 – Jayson Tatum
The other part of the Celtics young duo. Tatum was an Allstar last season and is having an even better season this year with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Easy lock pick.
Reserve Forward/Center 2 – Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis was an Allstar last season and is having a better year than last averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds. I will admit, if there were no position limits, I would probably lean towards his teammate Malcolm Brogdon for this spot. It was really tough picking Sabonis over Brogdong but the slight edge goes to him.
Last 2 In 1 – Zach LaVine
Lavine had a strong case to be an Allstar last season and this year is even stronger. What kept him out was the Bulls being so bad but they’re better this year and with him putting up 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, he’s an easy pick to become an Allstar for the first time in his career.
Last 2 In 2 – Julius Randle
Julius Randle is having an All-NBA season. By far the best season of his career with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Knicks are also currently in the playoffs so that only helps his case. Should be a first time Allstar.