BOSTON – NBA fans have had their say as to who will start in next month’s All-Star Game which will be held in Toronto.
But what about the reserves?
Coaches in each respective conference will vote for those seven spots (three frontcourt players, two backcourt players and two “utility” players), with an official announcement coming on Thursday night.
The coaches will have their say, but here’s one man’s opinion on which players should fill out the remainder of the All-Star roster.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
STARTERS (VOTED ON BY FANS)
G - Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
G - Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
F - Paul George, Indiana Pacers
F – LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
F- Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
ALL-STAR RESERVES (SHERROD’S PICKS)
G – Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Comment: If voting was based purely on play this season, he would be a starter ahead of fellow Marquette alum, Dwyane Wade.
G – DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Comment: His perimeter game keeps getting better, and few get to the free throw line as often or with as much ease.
F – Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Comment: I understand the rationale behind having three bigs and no true center designated to start, but the most dominant big in the league is coming off the bench as an All-Star? He should be starting instead of Melo.
F – Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Comment: Rebounds, shooting numbers slightly up from a year ago but basically Bosh is having a very Bosh-like, All-Star caliber season.
F- Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
Comment: Of the NBA guys on the north side of 35 years of age, no one has played at as consistently a high level as Gasol this season. No one.
UTIL – Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Comment: He puts up big numbers, and the Celtics are winning. That combination, more than anything else, is why he’s deserving of being selected to his first All-Star game this season.
UTIL – John Wall, Washington Wizards
Comment: Wall is already an All-Star who has taken his game statistically speaking, to another level that should be rewarded with a third All-Star selection.
JUST MISSED THE CUT:
Atlanta’s Paul Millsap (solid but not spectacular/standout season thus far); Detroit’s Reggie Jackson (has had a good season, but Drummond’s dominance takes some of the shine off his above-average play) and Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving (not enough games played).
WESTERN CONFERENCE
STARTERS
G – Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
G – Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
F – Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
F – Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
F – Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
ALL-STAR RESERVES (Sherrod’s picks)
G – Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Comment: His numbers are solid, but the Clippers being a solid number 4 team in the West is why he gets in this year.
G – James Harden, Houston Rockets
Comment: He’s arguably the best scoring guard not named Stephen Curry in the NBA, so a place for him on the All-Star team is pretty secure.
F – Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Comment: One of the league’s best all-around players, if not for the Kobe Bryant farewell tour Green would be an All-Star starter.
F – LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
Comment: He remains a matchup nightmare with the only difference now being less pressure, more wins and a better shot at a title.
F – Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Comment: The Pelicans have been a huge disappointment thus far this season, but it’s certainly not due to Davis’ play which still has him among the league’s best all-around players in the game.
Util – Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Comment: When you look at his numbers and who he’s playing with and their impact, the fact that he’s a 20-point a night scorer is impressive.
Util – DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Comment: He continues to put up big numbers and as of late, big wins. Cousins is doing what All-Stars are supposed to do.
JUST MISSED THE CUT
Damian Lillard, Portland (Having Kobe on the team means someone deserving will be left off; Lillard is that guy unfortunately); Dirk Nowitzki (Too many guys with better numbers, record ahead of him).