As January draws to a close, NBA fans can look forward to February and the All-Star game. Before we make our March Madness picks and jump into the NCAAB action, let’s first take a look at the NBA All-Star game and who we think will make the roster.
Instead of naming the obvious choices, let’s discuss some potential wildcards¾players who have been playing incredibly and are definitely deserving of an All-Star spot. Forget about LeBron James, Giannis, and Luka¾we all know they are going to be there! What about the other guys¾the players who don’t always make the spotlight?
Lauri Markkanen–Utah Jazz
I always thought that Markkanen had potential¾apparently, he just never got the chance to shine and was with the wrong organizations!
His first years with Chicago were plagued with injury and he made an OK impact. Things improved in Cleveland, but now it seems he is reaching his full potential with Utah, this 7ft offensive monster is averaging a career-high 24.8ppg on great efficiency and he is fun to watch too. I appreciate that the Jazz have suffered a little recently and their form has dropped, but Markkanen NEEDS to get an All-Star pick!
De’Aaron Fox–Sacramento Kings
Another player who appears to be thriving is De’Aaron Fox. Indeed, who would have thought that at the time of writing this, the Sacramento Kings would be 3rd in the Western Conference? That is partly due to the transformation of Fox and how he has elevated his game.
Typically, he has been seen as an inefficient scorer with questionable shot choices. However, that appears to have changed and he is playing better than ever. He is leading the Kings, together with Sabonis, and is helping players like Keegan Murray shine.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander–Oklahoma City Thunder
SGA is playing incredibly for OKC. He was always a decent scorer but this season, the guy is on a tear! He is currently averaging over 30ppg on 35% 3pt, and 49% eFG¾which is pretty damn good. You can list him right up there with the likes of Luka and Booker in terms of pure scoring and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Although OKC is still one of the bottom teams in the West, they could make the playoffs, and this is partially due to the brilliance of this young Canadian.
Bam Adebayo–Miami Heat
Miami are not playing great, and the first half of their season has been less than stellar. However, one player that has been consistently great is Bam Adebayo¾on both ends of the court. He is the defensive anchor of the Heat, together with Jimmy Butler, but more impressively, he has increased his scoring output too. Adebayo is having a 21/10 season and I definitely think he deserves an All-Star selection!
Julius Randle–New York Knicks
Randle seems to be up and down with the Knicks, and we are never quite sure what version we are going to get each year. In 2022-23, it seems that we have All-Star-level Randle back. He is playing brilliantly and, together with Jalen Brunson (who could also potentially be an All-Star), is keeping the Knicks hovering in a playoff spot.
Randle is averaging 24/10 on decent efficiency, but his defense has also been fantastic too. It’s great to see him back in top form after a questionable previous season with the Knicks that was full of drama and inconsistency.
Zion Williamson–New Orleans Pelicans
Although Zion is injured, he should definitely be an All-Star! The tank is a dominating offensive presence, and he has shown just how much he can play and make an impact when he is healthy.
Literally, no-one can stop Williamson from driving to the basket, and he has been highly efficient in the paint. It appears that he has worked on his defense too, and he is no longer seen as a liability on that end of the court. Get this man an All-Star selection! He has created some fine moments this season, such as that disrespectful 360-dunk against the Suns.
Jaylen Brown–Boston Celtics
Forget about Jayson Tatum¾we all know what he can do. I want to hear more about Jaylen Brown! While Tatum usually takes the spotlight, we can’t overlook the impact that Brown has. As the 2nd fiddle to Tatum, he is still averaging 26ppg on brilliant efficiency and grabbing 7 rebounds per game too. While spaces are limited, it is not unreasonable to see a world where both Tatum and Brown represent the Celtics at this season’s All-Star game.
I would love these players to get All-Star treatment as they have been balling! Players like Lauri Markkanen and DeAaron Fox are finally shining and are making the most of their opportunities. So perhaps, 2022-23 is the year that we shake up the All-Star selections and see some different, but still deserving, faces.
