Cavs: Does Evan Mobley make the way-too-early All-Star Team?
Cavs: Projecting the Eastern Conference All-Star Roster
Starting Backcourt: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls; Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards are a combined 11-3 thus far this season, and if the season ended today would both host playoff series. Zach LaVine has blossomed into a legitimate star and will be an All-Star fixture for years to come. Bradley Beal finally has a team that makes sense built around him, and the Wizards are excelling because of it.
Starting Frontcourt: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat; Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks; Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
The Miami Heat lead the league with a 6-1 record (tied with the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls) and have looked dominant, their only loss in overtime to the Indiana Pacers. Jimmy Butler has been the primary driving force, and he is putting together an MVP campaign down in South Beach. Giannis Antetokounmpo has kept the Milwaukee Bucks afloat despite all four other starters being out with injury right now. Kevin Durant has been scorching hot, which looks even more unusual since the rest of his Brooklyn team has forgotten how to score.
Reserve Backcourt: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks; LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Trae Young may not be getting to the free-throw line as much, but otherwise he is the best offensive weapon on a good team. LaMelo Ball is averaging 20.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists as he takes another step forward in running an offense.
Reserve Frontcourt: Julius Randle, New York Knicks; Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
The New York Knicks have played really well to start the year, and while it’s been a group project (RJ Barrett, Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier have all carried the offense at times) Julius Randle has been their best player as he proves last season wasn’t a mirage. Bam Adebayo has been the defensive backbone for the league’s best team. Joel Embiid is the best player on the league’s best offense as the 76ers have weathered admirably the absence of Ben Simmons.
Reserve Wild Cards: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls; Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
The final two slots are where the remaining 15 or so players with hopes of an All-Star berth have to target. The East is flush with deserving frontcourt players, so both of the final two slots go to them. Miles Bridges has been one of the league’s most improved and surprising players as he has doubled his volume while shooting incredibly well. Finally, DeMar DeRozan has flourished on the Bulls and has given the Bulls a legitimate “Big 3” on offense.