The 2015 NBA All-Star Game is less than a month away. The announcement of who is starting in that game is only a few hours away. In advance of the unveiling, here are the five Eastern Conference players I think are most deserving of a starting spot in the All-Star game.
G: John Wall, Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards sit in second place in the Eastern Conference at 29-14 and John Wall is a big reason why. Wall is enjoying one of the best statistical seasons of his career, but he's also managing an offense that ranks fourth in assist ratio (18.9). The ball movement and offensive flow in D.C. is much improved from years past and Wall is playing hard-nosed defense to match it. He's been one of the most impressive players to watch thus far.
"He might not be considered the best at the point guard position (who is?), but he might have claim to the pound-for-pound title," ESPN's Scoop Jackson wrote. "He's first in the league in assists, third in steals. With the most deceptive 17 points a game average in the NBA, Wall could be called the Steph Curry of the East."
G: Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Everyone knows that Kyle Lowry was snubbed from the All-Star game last season. This year, we're going to rectify that mistake. Toronto sits just a hair behind Washington in the standings at 27-15 largely thanks to Lowry's super human effort early in the season when DeMar DeRozan went down with an injury. Seriously, Hollywood should consider casting Lowry in the next big Marvel movie.
"Considered an MVP candidate in the early portion of the season, the nine-year veteran is deserving of his first All-Star nod, putting up career highs in points (19.8), assists (7.6), rebounds (4.9) and steals (1.6) while keeping Toronto afloat when DeMar DeRozan was out," Dave McMenamin wrote. "Plus, he doesn't know how not to play hard, so having him in the All-Star Game gives the exhibition a greater chance of staying competitive."
F: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Honestly, did you think this spot was going to someone else? James may have missed a few games this season and his Cavs may not be living up to expectations, but that has nothing to do with his level of play. Even as James crossed the 30-years-old threshold earlier this season, his otherworldly abilities are still on full display. He's still as good at basketball as the Patriots are at cheating (Heyoooo).
"Flu, back problems, fatigue, fall-off, extreme self-induced pressure, leadership ability in question; none of that makes a difference," Jackson wrote. "LeBron is still a first-name-basis icon who happens to be the single most important player in all of American sports. Until that changes, an All-Star starting spot is his to lose."
F: Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference at 35-8, the second best mark in the NBA. Raise your hand if you predicted that during the pre-season. Now raise your hand if you're a bold-faced liar. Horford is a Swiss-army knife of a player; he can just do it all. Back-to-the-basket buckets, 15-foot jumpers, finding the open man, playing stout defense. Horford is one of the most versatile and underappreciated players in the league. It's time for everyone to take notice.
"I'm not a fan of simply rewarding winning teams by granting their players All-Star berths, but Horford wouldn't be just a token selection," Paul Gutierrez wrote. "Horford is one of the most well-rounded bigs in the game. And just like he did at Florida with Joakim Noah, he encourages ball movement and spreading the wealth, knowing that translates to winning."
F: Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
The A-Team loves it when a plan comes together, and so do the Chicago Bulls. On paper, Gasol to the Bulls just made a ton of sense when free agency began over the summer. In reality, the results have been even better. Gasol is enjoying a career resurgence on the offensive end, averaging 18.7 points per game and 11.4 rebounds. He's provided a nice scoring punch to the defensive-minded Bulls and helped them weather through some inconsistent play from Derrick Rose.
"Who would've though a 34-year-old Gasol would be such a stable and at times dominant force for Tom Thibodeau's Bulls?" Gutierrez wrote. "I mean, he had a 46-and-18 game, for crying out loud. I would've guessed his legs would've fallen off by now playing for the Bulls."
