NBA All Star Teams Set
The 62nd NBA All-Star Game is less than a month away and after last night’s reserve announcements, we now have the complete rosters for this year’s annual showcase of the league’s top talent. Last week we learned who the starters would be via fan vote and as expected, we saw many of the usual suspects make the cut, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. But after the coaches voted in the reserves, we are seeing many deserving players making their first All-Star appearances. Here are the complete rosters:
Eastern Conference
| Starter | Appearance |
|---|---|
| LeBron James, F, MIA | 9th |
| Carmelo Anthony, F, NYK | 6th |
| Dwyane Wade, G, MIA | 9th |
| Rajon Rondo, G, BOS | 4th |
| Kevin Garnett, F, BOS | 15th |
| Reserve | Appearance |
| Kyrie Irving, G, CLE | 1st |
| Jrue Holiday, G, PHI | 1st |
| Tyson Chandler, C, NYK | 1st |
| Joakim Noah, C, CHI | 1st |
| Luol Deng, F, CHI | 2nd |
| Paul George, F, IND | 1st |
| Chris Bosh, F, MIA | 8th |
Western Conference
| Starter | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Kobe Bryant, G, LAL | 15th |
| Kevin Durant, F, OKC | 4th |
| Chris Paul, G, LAC | 6th |
| Dwight Howard, C, LAL | 7th |
| Blake Griffin, F, LAC | 3rd |
| Reserve | Appearance |
| R. Westbrook, G, OKC | 3rd |
| James Harden, G, HOU | 1st |
| Tim Duncan, C, SAS | 14th |
| Tony Parker, G, SAS | 5th |
| L. Aldridge, F, POR | 2nd |
| David Lee, F, GS | 2nd |
| Zach Randolph, F, MEM | 2nd |
After winning the Rookie of the Year award last season, Kyrie Irving has avoided the sophomore slump and will be making the trip to Houston as a first time All-Star. Joining him in making a first appearance will be hometown hero James Harden, Joakim Noah, Paul George, Tyson Chandler and Jrue Holiday.
Of course, there are will be plenty of All-Star veterans on the floor as well. After missing the cut for the first time in his career last season, Tim Duncan is back as a reserve for the Western Conference, making his 14th appearance overall. The 36 year-old is back to his old form, averaging 17.5 points per game and 9.8 rebounds this season.
Some franchises, like the Spurs and the Lakers, are used to having plenty of All-Star representatives, but for the Warriors, having an All-Star is an exciting and gratifying new experience. David Lee became the first All-Star from Golden State since Latrell Sprewell in 1997.
I’m just very, very excited,” Lee said, according to ESPN.com. “It’s been a long time for the Bay Area fans. Not only to have an All-Star, but to be winning games.”
It should be a fun one come Sunday, Feb. 17 when the East and West battle it out for the 62nd time, so don’t miss it!