The 2018 NBA All-Star Game managed to be a pretty big success. The new format, which featured captains picking teams, actually led to an interesting game, one where players legitimately seemed like they were trying their hardest at times. Who knows if the game will be as successful going forward, but so far, the NBA is 1-for-1 with this format.
Of course, the one thing that could add some intrigue to the roster construction of the game is to televise the players getting drafted by the two captains. Adam Silver recognizes this, saying he believes fans will be able to watch the draft next season.
LeBron James decided to just skip the middle man and let people know how things went down this year. After his MVP-winning performance during the game, James met with the media and broke down how he constructed his starting five.
LeBron James reveals his Team LeBron starter picks, in order: Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and DeMarcus Cousins.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 19, 2018
This order makes sense, both in terms of who he selected in his various spots and when players were available. Durant and Davis make a ton of sense as picks one and three, Irving at five gave him some guard help, and Cousins at seven is a tremendous value pick. It would have been fun if Irving got swapped for Joel Embiid, if only so James could have had a starting five of people 6’8 or taller, but oh well.
Steph Curry’s order hasn’t been released, so we’re not sure of the order Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Embiid, and DeMar DeRozan were selected. But between James’ group and the fact that LaMarcus Aldridge and Al Horford reportedly rounded things out, we’re slowly learning how things worked out.
