Starters for the 2020 All-Star game have been announced and with that announcement, fans have started speculating who will be picked as reserves. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James were the highest vote-getters in each conference and therefore were named captains for each respective team.
While there is no way to say for certain who will be chosen as All-Star reserves, speculation is always good for debate's sake.
Team James:
Damian Lillard
Lillard continues to be one of the best point guards in the NBA. The Portland Trailblazers guard has scored a combined 108 points in his last two games and is an exciting player that is well-liked among most of the NBA community.
Team Antetokounmpo:
Devin Booker
To help match the scoring prowess of Lillard, expect the Greek Freak to select someone like Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker. The 23-year-old is averaging over 26 points and can light up opposing defenses better than just about anyone.
James:
Chris Paul
This is assuming that the 15-year veteran makes the All-Star game. If he does, expect James to pick him. The two are noted good friends and it's unlikely that James allows Antetokounmpo to pick the Oklahoma City Thunder guard.
Antetokounmpo:
Jimmy Butler
Butler is having an exceptional season for the Miami Heat. The Heat are right behind the Bucks in the East and Jimmy Buckets is a big reason why.
James:
Brandon Ingram
Ingram is perhaps the top candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player this year. With the selection, James gets another chance to play with his former teammate.
Antetokounmpo:
Paul George
George was third in MVP voting last year. He's not having quite the season this year but regardless, George is still one of the best players in the league.
James:
Nikola Jokic
The Joker is one of the best centers in the NBA and Team James could use a big man. Jokic's flashy passes and soft touch should provide the crowd with an exciting show.
Antetokounmpo:
Rudy Gobert
Gobert is long overdue for an All-Star appearance. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year will probably see his name called this year and will help Team Antetokounmpo with his stellar defense.
James:
Bradley Beal
If he were on a better team, Beal would be a surefire All-Star starter. The 26-year-old is averaging 27.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Washington Wizards.
Antetokounmpo:
Karl-Anthony Towns
Like Beal, Towns is putting up All-Star starter numbers on a not-so-good team. Regardless, KAT is too talented to leave off this year's All-Star team and is still one of the NBA's brightest young stars.
James:
Jayson Tatum
At just 21 years old, Tatum is enjoying a breakout season for the Boston Celtics. In his first All-Star game, the young star will team up with LeBron James.
Antetokounmpo:
Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis deserves to make his first All-Star appearance. In the absence of Victor Oladipo, Sabonis is averaging 17.9 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while keeping the Indiana Pacers more than afloat in the East.
James:
Bam Adebayo
Yet another player possibly set to make their first All-Star game appearance, Adebayo is a major candidate for Most Improved Player. The Miami Heat big man is averaging 15.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game and is a big part as to why the Heat are legitimate contenders in the East.
Antetokounmpo:
Donovan Mitchell
One of the best young scorers in the NBA, Mitchell should join Gobert in representing the Utah Jazz. Putting up nearly 25 points per game, Mitchell is leading the Jazz — arguably the hottest team in the NBA as of now.