On Thursday evening, the NBA announced the official starters for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.
Leading the Western Conference was LeBron James, receiving top votes from fans, players, and media members alike. The Eastern Conference was led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also received top votes across the board.
Sticking with a similar draft format from last year’s All-Star Game, here is how the drafting will go:
There is one big change this season that has everyone counting down towards the Sunday showdown on Feb. 17.
The drafting of Team LeBron and Team Giannis will be televised on the date of the NBA Trade Deadline, Feb. 7. With this major adjustment in the process, there are many interesting outcomes.
LeBron James will draft first from the starters, forcing him to choose between: Kevin Durant, Lakers’ prospective free agent target, James Harden, one of the hottest players in the league right now, Kawhi Leonard, another potential target for the Lakers this summer, or Kyrie Irving, ex-teammate who could possibly look for a West Coast reunion, to name a few.
With so many talented players, there is no wrong choice, but it is certain that however it goes down, the drama will ensue.
Similarly, Giannis could use the All-Star Game draft to do some recruiting of his own.
Whether with selecting from the starters pool, or with his first pick among the reserves, there will be no shortage of players who could be in need of a new team in the near future. This could be his opportunity to show them just how fun it is playing alongside The Greek Freak and set the foundation for Milwaukee super team.
Seven players from each conference will make up the list of reserves, being selected by the coaches.
With a ton of fun names still available to pop up on the night of the draft, this could be one massively entertaining night for the NBA.