While the votes for the holders of the All-Star Game have been open for a few days now, some choices could be subject to a big dilemma among voters. This is the case among Eastern Conference forwards, where four huge stars could apply, but only three places will be allocated. Focus on each other’s case.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO (Milwaukee Bucks)
Age 28 – 6-time All-Star – 31.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists per game in 2022-23 – 22 wins 12 losses, 3rd in the East
On paper, the Greek presents perhaps the most extensive file. Although he is not even in his thirties yet, the native of Athens has already built such a solid legacy that if he decides tomorrow morning to abandon the orange ball to go triple jump (note he actually already on the courts this madman), his accomplishments would already place him among the greatest players in the history of the League. Two MVPs, including one coupled with a DPOY, a title and a Finals MVP, not to mention an MIP that recalls his dazzling progress, that ranks you a career. This season again, the number 34 of the Wisconsin franchise continues to assume his status and carry his team, which is all the more remarkable when we know that his first lieutenant, Khris Middleton, has often failed in the injury call. He is notably on the basis of his career-best scoring average. The Greek Freak has always started in his six appearances in the All-Star Game. So, stop or again?
KEVIN DURANT (Brooklyn Nets)
34 – 12-time All-Star – 30 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game in 2022-23 – 23 wins 12 losses, second in the East
In the stronghold of Biggie Smalls, the season had not necessarily started under the best auspices, since the number 7 of the Nets had gratified us, during the offseason, with a few antics to make us understand that he had trouble digesting the poutine prepared by his Canadian coach, and that their collaboration could not last. The son of the real MVP 2014 will finally succeed after less than two weeks of competition. And there, miracle, the team now coached by Jacque Vaughn seems much better off, now occupying a rank much more consistent with the quality of its workforce, and above all remaining on a series of 10 wins in a row, that is neither more nor less than the longest in the entire League since the start of the season. Currently in his fifteenth NBA season, the former Thunder and Warriors player doesn’t seem to feel the weight of the years, and his game still looks great to watch. (KD, KD, KD, can’t you see ? Sometimes your game just hypnotize me). An additional argument in the file?
JOEL EMBIID (Philadelphia 76ers)
28 — 5-time All-Star — 33.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game in 2022-23 — 20-13, fifth in the East
Among the four candidates of the day, the native of Yaoundé, the Cameroonian capital, is undoubtedly the one who had the biggest delay in ignition. Announced as an MVP candidate at the start of the season, the Sixers star may have lost big in the race for the Michael Jordan Trophy after a sluggish start to the year. Still, the mayor of Philly (well encouraged in courtside by his assistants Kevin Hart and Meek Mill) has since found its stride, and it is his opponents who are paying the price. Like Giannis and KD, he too was entitled to his little family winning streak, with a series of eight successes in a row in December, including one at MSG as a Christmas present, not bad, isn’t it? Embiid could also count another major argument – it is the case to say it – in its file, in particular for the most old-school of the voters: it is the only pivot of profession in the discussion for a starting place, which could encourage some people nostalgic for the 90’s to favor the Process in their vote.
JAYSON TATUM (Boston Celtics)
24 years old – 3 times All-Star – 31.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists per game in 2022-23 – 25 wins for 10 losses, first in the League
Last but not least. Younger than its competitors, JT does not have, to date, the same legacy as its direct opponents. But that could well change in the months to come, since the former Duke is currently the favorite in the race for the MVP, just that. And the change may have already started last season, since in the Playoffs, the Celtics, led by their number 0, offered themselves the scalp of the Nets of KD and the Bucks of the Greek Freak, without forgetting the Heat of Jimmy Butler , to win the right to play in the Finals against the Warriors. Young or not, it will have to be admitted, the namesake of Channing is indeed one of the great gentlemen of the Eastern Conference, and even of the League. To change nothing, a small series of 17 victories in 19 games to brighten up the month of November, it’s always a pleasure. Huge individual stats, the best record in the League, no doubt, it helps for a three-letter award. And if, while waiting for better at the end of the season, its three letters were initially ASG?
Here you have all the elements to make your choice now. All you have to do is thank your favorite site for this Hexpert analysis and go to the NBA app to give your votes to Mason Plumlee, Bobby Portis and John Collins.
