We now know the starters for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will take place on February 18 in Indianapolis. In the East, it is like this Giannis Antetokounmpo who was appointed captain. He is accompanied by Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum And Joel Embiid.
In the West, he's the record holder LeBron James who was once again chosen as captain. He is accompanied by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant And Nikola Jokic in this meeting which will abandon the Draft and return to the traditional East/West format.
All that is missing is the names of the 14 substitutes, 7 in the East and 7 in the West, for the list of guests to be complete (even if injuries will undoubtedly arise…). Before the coaches decide, we asked you for your opinion on the names of the 14 players who should join Indiana next month.
In the East, three names seem indisputable: Donovan Mitchell (82%), Jalen Brunson (81%) and Jaylen Brown (79%). But overall, seven players stand out.
Tyrese Maxey (69%), Bam Adebayo (64%), Paolo Banchero (64%) and Trae Young (54%) thus have a nice margin over their pursuers, Julius Randle (38%), Jimmy Butler (36%) and Kristaps Porzingis (36%).
YOUR REPLACEMENTS IN THE EAST
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
Jalen Brunson (New York)
Jaylen Brown (Boston)
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
Bam Adebayo (Miami)
Paolo Banchero (Orlando)
Trae Young (Atlanta)
For the first six names, we think that there should not be too much debate, even if Paolo Banchero's Magic is seriously marking time and that could cost the interior its first star.
It's Trae Young who seems most in danger. The replacements being named by the coaches, the 10th place in the East of the Hawks and especially the team's record (18 wins – 27 losses) can be costly for the playmaker, among the best scorers and passers in the league, but whose impact is not translated collectively.
Can Julius Randle overtake him, with the Knicks currently ranked 5th in the East? Certainly, the strong winger missed the start of the season but, like New York, he has gained momentum since then. As for Kristaps Porzingis, he may be the most important player for the Celtics this season, although he may have missed too many games to be picked. Especially since with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, there are already two Celtics…
Rudy Gobert rather than Victor Wembanyama?
In the West, there are still (and as always) more debates. Anthony Edwards (88%), Stephen Curry (87%), Kawhi Leonard (80%) and Anthony Davis (72%) still have a good margin but, behind it, it is very tight for the last three spots.
As it stands, you have chosen Devin Booker (52%), Domantas Sabonis (49%) and Victor Wembanayama (47%) but the Frenchman's margin is tiny compared to De'Aaron Fox (46%) and Rudy Gobert (43%), while Lauri Markkanen (35%), Karl-Anthony Towns (34%), Paul George (31%) are not far away either.
YOUR REPLACEMENTS IN THE WEST
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
Stephen Curry (Golden State)
Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)
Anthony Davis (LA Lakers)
Devin Booker (Phoenix)
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento)
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)
In fact, and despite the Warriors' negative record, it is indeed difficult to see Stephen Curry not being selected. Same thing for Anthony Davis, while the Lakers' balance sheet is barely balanced.
The debate will undoubtedly focus on the last two places. Given the current rise of the Clippers, we would not be surprised to see Paul George recover a star as the former Clippers and Thunder weigh in on both sides of the floor. Precisely, in choosing a Frenchman, Rudy Gobert is undoubtedly more legitimate in this first half of the season. It is largely thanks to him that the Wolves are the best defense in the league, and currently the best team in the West (32 wins – 13 losses), tied with Oklahoma City.
