NBA All-Star Game Starters Announced

The starters for this year’s NBA All-Star Game were announced on Thursday, and the usual suspects were there, as were some new ones.

Los Angeles Lakers uber star LeBron James was named Captain of the Western Conference—it’s his 18th time being named an All-Star, tying Kobe Bryant for second place all-time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19).

James will be making a return to Cleveland—the love-hate place where he not only grew up but also began his NBA career—for the All-Star Game, taking place on February 10.

“King James” will be joined by Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins as West starters. It’s Curry’s eight All-Star selection and the reigning MVP Jokic’s fourth, while Morant and Wiggins are making their debuts.

“I was taking my pregame nap,” Wiggins said, “and my girl and daughter woke me up and told me: ‘You are a starter, you are a starter.’ I thought I was dreaming for a second. I was like, ‘What is going on?’ It was a good way to learn that I made it to the All-Star, and I am thankful.

“I have been putting in a lot of work and I have found a home here. Hopefully, I can keep it going and this is not the last one.”

Although he will not be playing, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant will be the captain of the Eastern Conference’s team. Joining the 12-time All-Star is Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It’s Antetokounmpo’s sixth selection—matching Abdul-Jabbar’s Bucks franchise record for selections—the fifth for Embiid and second for Young.

Fan votes accounted for 50% of the vote, with a media panel and current players each accounting for 25%. The reserves will be announced on February 3; they’re voted on by head coaches.