It’s that time of year for NBA All-Star Ballot voting, and today I will explain mine. The ballot is separated into guards and front court, so a total of 10 players between both conferences (East and West).
Note: Written before All-Star starters were announced.
Western Conference
Guards:
Steph Curry: I’m biased here but the best shooter in the world will always get my vote for the All-Star game, ignoring a down year for Curry’s standards.
Shai Gilgous Alexander: Alexander is having a phenomenal season, building on his 1st Team ALL NBA award last year, averaging almost 32 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, and leading the league in steals per game at 2.2 STLs per game. On top of his great individual play, he is leading the Thunder into true title contention, as they are a half-game back of 1st place in the West with a 31-13 record. He is my MVP right now, so he has to be my other guard.
Forwards:
Lauri Markkanen: (Precursor: Lebron will get his votes, he is All-Star caliber, but I wanted to highlight someone different). After reaching his first NBA All-Star team last year, Markkanen has remained steady, averaging 24 points and 9 rebounds and shooting nearly 40% from 3. His great individual play has led to more team success as the Jazz compete for a playoff spot with a 23-23 record, holding the 9 seed in the West. With this, Markkanen 100% deserves to appear in his second All-Star game this February.
Nikola Jokic: Jokic is Jokic. AKA averaging 26.1 points, 9 assists, and 12 rebounds. The defending finals MVP will remain on the NBA 1st team and earn his 6th NBA All-Star nod this February.
Anthony Davis: Even with the Lakers struggling, Davis has played at near MVP level, averaging 26 points and 12 rebounds per game. Along with his great offense and rebounding, Davis has played incredible defense averaging 2 blocks per game, slotting him into 3rd place for DPOY odds. Most importantly, Davis has been able to stay healthy playing in 43 of the Lakers’ 45 games this season, compared to the last 2 seasons where Davis struggled to even play in 50% of the Lakers’ games.
Eastern Conference
Guards:
Jalen Brunson: The 27-year-old, 6-foot-2 guard from Villanova should earn his first All-Star appearance this year. Brunson is averaging 26 points per game on 47.5% from the field and 42% from three, along with almost 7 assists per game. Brunson is the #1 option that the Knicks signed him for, scoring at all 3 levels and getting tough buckets in the clutch. Brunson’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet as it is clear that he is the heart and soul of the Knicks team, providing a contagious competitive spirit that seems like they once lacked. Hopefully, this All-Star appearance is one of many for this great player.
Tyrese Haliburton: Haliburton has just been incredible this year. He is averaging 23.6 points and a whopping 12.6 assists per game. It is important to note that the Pacers play at the fastest pace in the league, scoring but also allowing a ton of points. Even so Haliburton’s stats are still incredible. On top of that, he is almost shooting 50% from the field and over 40% from 3. His ability to make great reads and score the ball on high volume along with great efficiency makes him one of the most lethal players in the league, so a 2nd All-Star appearance is well deserved.
Forwards:
Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embild: All 3 of these players are perennial all-stars, this will be at least their 5th time participating in this game. They were also the 3 all NBA First-Team forwards last year. Not much else to say except they will be the 3 All-Star forwards in the East and deservedly so.
