The All-Star starters are about to be announced, and the NBA has completely changed its format in an attempt to reinvigorate the sport.
For the first time in the history of the All-Stars, a mini-tournament format will be adopted, with four teams participating, three of which will be composed of 24 All-Star players, and the fourth team will be the winner of the Rising Stars competition and play three games.
The two winners of the semifinals will meet in the championship game, with the first team to score 40 points in each game winning.
First, fan voting accounts for 50% of the total votes, then active NBA players account for 25%, and the media panel accounts for another 25%.
The starting lineup will be revealed Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT NBA Tips Before the Heat vs. Bucks game.
this basketball forever Writers got together to vote on the players they think will be starters in the East and West and why.
East backcourt: Donovan Mitchell, LaMelo Ball
East front court: Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns
Why: Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl-Anthony Towns are among the best in the East at their respective positions this season. There’s more controversy surrounding the fourth position. Many will point to Jalen Brunson as the starter, and it’s certainly well-deserved. However, having a young, popular player like LaMelo certainly adds excitement to the game. This guy plays like he’s in a 24/7 street ball game and it’s sure to reinvigorate the game.
reserve: Jaylen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, Trae Young, Alvin Mobley, Pascal Siakam, Cade Cunningham, Darius Garland
Having three players from the Cavaliers might be a bit much, but hey, they deserve it. Jalen Brunson will be the biggest snub if he doesn’t make the first team.
West backcourt: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry
West front court: Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Victor Wembunyama
Shai, Steph, Jokic and LeBron are all locks. SGA and Jokic had an MVP season, and having LeBron and Steph share the court again is something special.
Likewise, there are many options available for the fifth position. It’s difficult to let AD and KD come off the bench, but what is needed during the All-Star Weekend is the youthful energy of Wimby. Wimby and LeBron have been duking it out on the court lately, and seeing them on the same team is absolutely epic.
reserve: Anthony Edwards, De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Alperon Sengong, Norman Powell, Jalen Williams
If KD and AD can’t make the first team, they will be the biggest snub.
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