Let’s take an in-depth look at the All-Star starters.

Donovan Mitchell

Mitchell was the only obvious pick to start the All-Star Game in the backcourt for the East. The guard has had a phenomenal debut campaign for the Cavs after getting traded from the Jazz just before the season started. He’s averaging a career-high 27.6 points per game on easily the best scoring efficiency of his career with 62 true shooting. He’s even played better on the defensive end so far. The Cavs have NBA Finals aspirations this year, and they should only be better in the future with the 26-year-old Mitchell and backcourt running mate Darius Garland leading the team. This will make Mitchell’s 4th time being an All-Star. 

Kyrie Irving

Since he’s returned to the court following a lengthy suspension, Irving has  maintained his status as one of the best backcourt scorers in the history of basketball. Irving is averaging 27.3 points per game and continues to dazzle audiences and critics as both a ball handler and long distance shooter. This will be his 8th All-Star appearance. Irving was traded earlier in the week as he was moved from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks.

Kevin Durant

Durant was already an all-time great player before this season, but he’s somehow turned in one of the best years of his career at 34-years-old. KD rescued Brooklyn out of so much early season turmoil by simply being one of the best offensive players alive and making a huge impact defensively. KD is averaging 29.7 points per game on 67 percent true shooting, but hasn’t played since Jan. 8 with an MCL sprain. This will make Durant’s 13th time being an All-Star.

 Jayson Tatum

Tatum is the best player on one of the best teams in the NBA. Coming off losing in the NBA Finals, Tatum has responded by putting up the best scoring numbers of his career, 31 points per game on 61.1 percent true shooting. He continues to be a key piece in a Celtics defense that can be as good as any in the league when it locks in. He’s also cut back his turnover percentage this year. This will mark his fourth All-Star appearance. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The captain himself, a frontrunner for MVP and seven consecutive All-Star games, Giannis has been one of the most dominant forces in the NBA for half a decade and this season. With co-star Khris Middleton in-and-out of the lineup all season, Antetokounmpo is shooting more than ever – averaging 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 58.8 percent true shooting.