The NBA announced its All-Star Game games last Thursday, but given the somewhat predictable nature of picking the top five players at each conference, tonight’s revelation is the most important. On Tuesday, the league revealed the seven All-Star reservations for each conference, as selected by the coaches at those conferences. The seven spots were divided between two guards, three frontline players and two wildcard spots to get rosters up to 12, with the inclusion of the five starters. Here are the 14 reservations that won their seats 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 considered to be the best active player ever to have made an All-Star game. However, with Davis still injured, the commissioner has the right to nominate a replacement if he misses the event. This will give Conley at least one more chance to get into the game. He will face stiff competition from the Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, a 2020 All-Star, and young guards Ja Morant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Eastern Conference will be more contentious. With so many worthy names, there would inevitably be contempt. Among them are Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Of these 14 total reserves, four are newcomers: LaVine, Randle, Brown and Williamson.
These lineups will not play together in the All-Star Game itself. As has been the case for the past three All-Star Games, the most voted at each conference will serve as the captain in a draft to share that talent. LeBron James will act as a captain, and his team will be coached by Quin Snyder. Kevin Durant will act as the other captain, and his team will be coached by Doc Rivers. The All-Star Draft will take place 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 will be added to the leaderboard score after three quarters. Whoever reaches that total points first wins the game.