The time for deliberation is over. The starting lineups for the 2017 NBA All-Star starters have been announced.
The NBA All-Star starters via @ChrisBHaynes
Russell Westbrook is not among them pic.twitter.com/CSsE0mdlno
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 20, 2017
So. What do we think?
If you’ve enjoyed the last two NBA Finals, you’ll certainly like this group. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant represent the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are representing the Cleveland Cavaliers. We can’t be surprised to see any of those four gentlemen. Both Golden State and Cleveland figure to be represented on the bench as well.
It’s a little bit of a drag that we won’t get to see Durant and his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook in the same starting lineup. But Westbrook will certainly be a reserve. Hopefully, we’ll see them up at some point later in the game. The interaction of those two is something to watch.
Speaking of Westbrook, the bench in an All-Star Game is always going to be strong. Still, he may be the best sixth man in this game’s history. Westbrook is not only the two-time reigning All-Star Game MVP, but is likely the league’s MVP from the first half of the season.
The Eastern Conference backcourt doesn’t have quite the name power of its Western Conference counterparts. Still, Isaiah Thomas and Kyle Lowry are tough omissions from the starting lineup.
It’s good to see Giannis Antetokounmpo in the starting lineup for his first All-Star Game. It won’t be his last.
The remaining All-Stars will be announced on January 26. The game itself will take place on February 19 in New Orleans.