The NBA announced its All-Star Game starters last Thursday, but given the somewhat predictable nature of picking the top five players in each conference, tonight’s reveal is the most important. On Tuesday, the league announced the seven All-Star reservations for each conference, as selected by the coaches at those conferences. The seven slots were split between two guards, three frontcourt players, and two wild card slots to get up to 12 rosters, including the five starters. These are the 14 reserves that earned their spot on Tuesday:
Eastern Conference
G: James Harden
G: Jaylen Brown
FC: Jayson Tatum
FC: Julius Randle
FC: Nikola Vucevic
WC: Ben Simmons
WC: Zach LaVine
Western conference
G: Damian Lillard
G: Chris Paul
FC: Anthony Davis
FC: Rudy Gobert
FC: Zion Williamson
WC: Donovan Mitchell
WC: Paul George
The obvious absence here is Mike Conley, widely regarded as the best active player to have never made an All-Star game. With Davis still injured, the commissioner has the right to name a replacement if he misses the event. That gives Conley at least one more chance to get into the game. He faces stiff competition from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, a 2020 All-Star, and young guards Ja Morant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Eastern Conference will be more controversial. With so many worthy names, there would inevitably be different snubs. Among them are Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Of these 14 total reserves, four are first-timers: LaVine, Randle, Brown and Williamson.
These rosters will not actually play together in the All-Star Game itself. As has been the case in the past three All-Star Games, the best teller of each conference will serve as captain in a draft to divide this talent. LeBron James will serve as one team captain and his team will be coached by Quin Snyder. Kevin Durant will serve as the other captain and his team will be coached by Doc Rivers. The All-Star Draft will be held on March 4, just days before the game.
Like last year, the All-Star Game will be played in a modified version of the Elam Ending format. In honor of Kobe Bryant, 24 points are added to the leading team’s score after three quarters. Whoever reaches that point total first wins the game.