After spinning its wheels for the better part of the last two decades, the Eastern Conference may have finally reached its nadir. With multiple All-Stars — Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Paul Millsap — hitching their wagons to the gold rush out west, it’s not only opened up opportunities for a few fringe teams to claim a playoff spot, it’s created several open slots for the All-Star team.
With that in mind, here’s our predictions for what next year’s All-Star team might look like.
Starters
Kyrie Irving
There’s no reason to think Irving won’t once again earn a starting spot next season. With his insane handles, an uncanny ability to finish around the rim, and a penchant for knocking down clutch shots, he’s one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. And with the Cavs pegged as the prohibitive favorites to dominate the East once again, Irving is going to get plenty of chances to shine at the deepest position in the conference.
John Wall
Wall was a reserve during last year’s All-Star festivities, but he was easily one of the best performers in the Eastern Conference Playoffs last season and has cemented himself as one of the league’s top point guards. If he continues his stellar play in the first half of next season, it should be enough for him to cash in on a starting spot.
LeBron James
No explanation necessary. LeBron is still the best player on the planet, and there’s literally zero chance he doesn’t make the starting lineup at All-Star Weekend next year barring an injury. Please do not get injured, LeBron.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak was a first-time All-Star last year en route to running away with the Most Improve Player award. There’s no reason to think he won’t continue to develop, and if he ever adds a reliable jump shot to his repertoire, he’ll undoubtedly make another leap from All-Star to a legitimate MVP candidate.
Joel Embiid
“The Process” came very close to leveraging his social media cache (and superb all-around play) into an All-Star selection last season, but ultimately came up short for a handful of reasons. With Ben Simmons set to make his debut and Markelle Fultz running the point, the Sixers should be vastly improved, and that will definitely help Embiid’s All-Star case. If he’s able to stay healthy, look out.
Reserves
Isaiah Thomas
Thomas’ career trajectory has been one of the most inspiring stories of the last few seasons. He fought through immense personal tragedy this spring to help lead his team all the way to the conference finals prior to a season-ending injury, and even then, there were questions about whether the Celtics would part ways with him to bring on No. 1 Markelle Fultz. But Thomas is still their go-to guy, and he’ll be more inspired than ever to prove his worth.
Kyle Lowry
After re-signing with the Raptors in free agency, Lowry is committed to getting the Raptors over the hump. He’s made the All-Star team three years in a row, and there’s no reason to think he won’t be as motivated as ever this season.
Kristaps Porzingis
With Phil Jackson mercifully put out to pasture (and ‘Melo possibly climbing aboard a banana boat in Cleveland or Houston), the Knicks can finally move forward with Zinger as their No. 1 option. While it may be a year or two until the team starts winning, Porzingis should thrive as the man in Manhattan.
Hassan Whiteside
The Miami Heat had an absolutely incredible turnaround last season, going from one of the worst teams in the conference to narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. With all the shakeup in the East, they have an excellent chance to make the postseason this year. Their star big man Hassan Whiteside is the centerpiece of that endeavor, and with front-court stalwarts Paul Millsap and Paul George gone, he should have a relatively clear path to an All-Star selection. Also, as final note: If Gordon Hayward chooses to sign with the Heat or Celtics, he would likely take this spot.
Kevin Love
Although Love was the subject of trade rumors just a few weeks ago, he arguably had his most productive season as a member of the Cavs and was a major cog in their dominant postseason run through the East. Love is still easily one of the best front-court players in the conference, and if the Cavs do as expected and maintain their stranglehold on the top spot, it’ll be hard to leave him off the All-Star team.
Bradley Beal
Beal was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last season, and he has an opportunity to rectify that. He’s an excellent scorer, and if the Wizards can hold their ground in the four-team battle royale for the top spots in the East, Beal could join his backcourt mate Wall in Los Angeles next February.
DeMar DeRozan
With Lowry back in the fold, the Raptors have no choice but to believe they have a chance to upset the Cavs next season. DeRozan is a key figure in that goal. When he’s not prone to settling for too many mid-range shots, he’s one of the best in the league at getting to the rim and drawing fouls.
