The starters for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game have been revealed. For the Eastern Conference, the backcourt will consist of Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets and the Boston Celtics’ Kyrie Irving while the frontcourt features the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Toronto Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard, and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The backcourt for the Western Conference will include Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden. The frontcourt will consist of the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors, and Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Eight of the players selected as starters will be entered into a pool where they will be selected by either Anteteokounmpo and James, who are serving as captains for the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively. The draft will be televised live on February 7 at 7 p.m. ET.
While most of the names listed as All-Star Game starters aren’t much of a surprise, the addition of Kemba appears to be the most polarizing addition. However, people were quick to defend his selection.
Walker, who is averaging 25 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, will represent the host city of Charlotte in his first All-Star Game as a starter. It’s an honor that, at least, brought a brief smile to his face upon discovering the news.
