With player movement in the NBA being on a year-around schedule, any player can be moved at any time, for almost any reason. With players moving from team-to-team and from the Western Conference to the East, spots on this year’s All-Star team will open up to new faces.
All-Stars still in the East
Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to return for another All-Star appearance in 2020, after being named the league’s MVP of the 2018-19 season. Of the 2019 All-Stars that will return to the East this season, Kyle Lowry and Victor Oladipo (returning around the All-Star break from injury) seem to be two players that may be in danger of not repeating as All-Stars. One could assume Lowry’s stats will fall with another year on his body, as well as the torch seemingly being passed to 2019’s Most Improved Player, Pascal Siakam.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – PF
- Joel Embiid – C
- Ben Simmons – PG
- Kyle Lowry – PG
- Nikola Vucevic – C
- Blake Griffin – PF
- Kemba Walker – PG
- Bradley Beal – SG
- Kyrie Irving – PG
- Khris Middleton – SG
- Victor Oladipo – SG
2019 All-Stars no longer in the East
Due to trades, free agency and retirement, these three 2019 All-Stars will not be selected from the Eastern Conference. With D’Angelo Russell being traded to Golden State, and Kawhi departing for the Los Angeles Clippers, two spots will be open for competition on the Eastern Conference roster.
- D’Angelo Russell – PG (Traded to Golden State)
- Kawhi Leonard – SF (Signed with Los Angeles Clippers)
- Dwyane Wade – SG (Retired)
Early 2020 All-Star Candidates
- Jayson Tatum – SF
- Jaylen Brown – SF
- Tobias Harris – SF
- Al Horford – C
- Jimmy Butler – SG
- Trae Young – PG
- Caris LeVert – SG
- Myles Turner – C
- Malcolm Brogdon – SG
- Evan Fournier – SG
- Julius Randle – PF
- Andre Drummond – C
- Pascal Siakam – PF
- Terry Rozier – PG
- Kevin Love – PF
- Lauri Markkanen – PF
- Zach LaVine – SG
All-Star Hopefuls
Making the All-Star team this season will not be as wide open as most would think. Barring injuries, nine of the thirteen positions could be filled by those who made it in 2019. Who from the list above could crack the lineup this season?
Trae Young – PG Atlanta Hawks
After a rough start to his rookie season, Young found his groove in the second half. In just his second season, Young will be the Hawks’ unquestioned go-to option, as his number should continue to rise to an All-Star level. Young will have competition at the point from the likes of Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving, but with D’Angelo Russell going West and Kyle Lowry possibly taking a step back, he’ll be the favorite to claim a spot on the All-Star roster.
Jimmy Butler – SG Miami Heat
Though Butler has bounced around from team-to-team, he has consistently put up numbers on the offensive and defensive end. Butler finally has what he was searching for in the Miami Heat: A culture in which he is the unquestioned leader. Butler will be the Heat’s primary offensive option by default, and within head coach Erik Spoelstra’s offense, will have plenty of opportunities to fill the stat line this season.
Jayson Tatum – SF Boston Celtics
Tatum has a few things working for him this season en route to an All-Star appearance: No Kyrie Irving, “Mamba Mentality”, another offseason to improve upon his game, and a huge extension in the near future. There are also a few things working against Tatum’s case for an All-Star appearance: Another score-first point guard in Kemba Walker, and Gordon Hayward is still on the roster. Will Tatum have enough possessions to make his case for an All-Star appearance, or will this be another year of figuring out who will be the focus of this Celtics offense?
Pascal Siakam – PF Toronto Raptors
Over the last two years, Siakam has become an elite two-way player, as well as an NBA Champion. During the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Siakam showcased his ability to score and defend at an elite level on the biggest stage. With the departure of Kawhi Leonard, he will now experience what it’s like to be at the center of every opposing team’s gameplan. Will be be able to score 20+ and be an elite defender with Leonard not on the roster? With new defensive additions in Rondae-Hollis Jefferson and Stanley Johnson, Siakam should be able to put up the necessary numbers needed to make the All-Star team this upcoming season.
Photo Credit: Morry Gash, AP Photo
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