Western Conference Starters
Guard 1 – Steph Curry
Easy pick as a starter. He’s a little behind Lebron for most votes in the West and is putting up almost identical numbers as his unanimous MVP season with 30 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. He even has the Warriors in the playoffs which a lot didn’t think would happen.
Guard 2 – Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard should be in the MVP discussions and has a very strong case as a starter by putting up 29 points and 7 assists. I have him as the starter but I don’t think he will be. I think that will be Luka but Dame is certainly more deserving.
Forward/Center 1 – LeBron James
Probably the easiest pick of any Allstar. He’s going to be the West captain for the 2nd straight year so there’s nothing to even discuss about him. He has stated that he doesn’t have the energy to play so that’s something to keep an eye on but I expect him to be there. Especially being the captain.
Forward/Center 2 – Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi is quietly having a MVP season and no one is talking about it. Might be his best year yet averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Depending on the day, the Clippers are ranked the 2nd best team in the West but currently sit at 3rd. If he isn’t a starter then something is wrong.
Forward/Center 3 – Nikola Jokic
A lot have Jokic as the leader for MVP and he certainly has a case putting up 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. The Nuggets aren’t as good as they should be but there is no other guy who has a case to be starting over him.
Reserves
Reserve Guard 1 – Luka Doncic
Luka will probably be the starter over Dame as he’s averaging 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. He definitely has a strong case but with the Mavs being ranked 10th in the West while the Blazers are 4th Dame is a little more deserving. He will for be an Allstar though.
Reserve Guard 2 – Donovan Mitchell
The Jazz are the best and hottest team in the league and their leader is Donovan Mitchell. He’s averaging 24 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds and could make the case as a starter.
Reserve Guard 3 – Demar Derozan
Demar hasn’t been an Allstar since the 2018 season but he should definitely be on this year. He has the Spurs as the 6th seed currently and is averaging 20 points, a career high 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. While I feel like he should be a lock, I don’t think most will agree and will keep him out.
Reserve Forward/Center 1 – Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is having a down year *only* averaging 23 points and 8 rebounds which would be the worst season since his 2nd year and that is why he isn’t a starter but is certainly an Allstar. He is currently injured so he won’t be playing in the game anyways so this spot will go to someone else. Still an Allstar though.
Reserve Forward/Center 2 – Paul George
Paul George was having a hell of a season before he got injured averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. He’s an easy pick as an Allstar but I doubt he will be playing like AD so this spot will go to someone else. He deserves to be recognized though.
Last 2 In 2 –Rudy Gobert
Like I said earlier, the top team in the conference usually puts in 2 Allstars and he would be the 2nd for the Jazz. He doesn’t exactly have Allstar numbers but numbers don’t tell the whole story. Fully expect him to be in Atlanta.
Last 2 In 1 – Devin Booker
This was the toughest pick. Not because Booker isn’t deserving but because I can’t tell how much more deserving he is than other guys that just missed the cut. He’s averaging 24 points and 4 assists which are both the lowest since his 2nd year. The determining factor was that the Suns are currently 5th in the West so that made the decision a little easier.