In the first All-Star Game with the newly-implemented drafting of the respective teams, there has been a bigger emphasis on playing more defense.

This has included Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo making his presence felt on defense to start the game by getting a huge swat on a layup attempt by Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker.

The 23-year-old has developed into one of the league's best two-way players who has been an effective rim protector averaging 1.3 blocks per game, which is currently 15th best this season.

In fact, Antetokounmpo is in the midst of the best season of his career averaging 27.8 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the field with 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Antetokounmpo is on pace to join Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players in team history to average at least 27.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game for a season.  He is also currently one of five players this year to be averaging 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds nightly.

Antetokounmpo has scored at least 20 points in 24 of his double-doubles this season, including notching 30 or more points in nine of those games and notched 40 points once. This type of production has helped elevate him to being recognized as being not only one of the top young players in the league but also one of best overall talents.

He has proven to be an effective scorer with his unique size and length at 6-foot-11 with insane wingspan along with his ball-handling ability. These have made him a difficult assignment for opposing teams on a nightly basis.