After nearly two months of voting, the starting players for the 2016 NBA All-Star game are set. The best players in the league will battle each other on Feb. 14 at Air Canada Centre, Toronto. Now, we'll give you the latest details about the upcoming exhibition game.
The 10 starting players were already decided via fan vote. For next set of players in each conference teams, coaches picked from the best teams in the NBA. The selection is not an easy task though, because there are so many legitimate options at every position. The NBA All-star Reserves announced on Jan. 28.
Here is the list of reserved players, courtesy of Hang Time blog.
For Eastern Conference Team, John Wall of Washington Wizards and Jimmy Butler of Chicago Bulls are the best contenders for the backcourt spot. These two talented players made huge numbers in their recent games, giving them opportunity to earn a ticket in All-Star games.
Furthermore, Andre Drummond of Detroit Pistons and Isaiah Thomas of Boston Celtics are obvious selections after they put up impressive performances in the first half of the league. Drummond is now the leading rebounder in the NBA. At just 22 years old, he has a potential to be one of the greatest centers in the league.
Isaiah Thomas is the premiere point guard of Boston Celtics. He is now scoring at a high rate but never really considered a star. However, that could change this season, as he has become a court leader for the Celtics team.
Eastern Conference Reserves
- John Wall, Washington Wizards
- Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
- Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
- Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
- Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
- Chris Bosh, Miami, Miami Heat
- DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
For Western Conference Team, Chris Paul and James Harden earned a spot in the squad. Their individual performances in their respective teams this season are outstanding.
Also, fans want to know how many San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors players will join Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry on the team. Warriors' forward Draymond Green has versatility on the court that could be his edge against other players. The forward is set to make his first All-Star appearance next month. In addition, three-point hotshot Klay Thompson is also selected as a reserved player.
Spurs big-man LaMarcus Aldridge is doing big things for his team. The new member of San Antonio squad will be making his fifth straight All-Star Game appearance.
Western Conference Reserves:
- Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
- James Harden, Houston Rockets
- Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
- Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
- LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
- DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
- Anthony Davis, New Orleans
Meanwhile, here is the schedule for 2016 All-Star Weekend. Basketball fans can see the event online through WatchTNT.
Friday, Feb. 12
- 1:30 p.m. - Hall of Fame Announcement | NBA TV & NBA.com
- 7 p.m. - NBA All-Star Celebrity Game | ESPN
- 9 p.m. --BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge| TNT
Saturday, Feb. 13
- 2 p.m. -NBA D-League All-Star Game presented by Kumho Tire | NBA TV
- 8 p.m. -All-Star Saturday Night| TNT
> Skills Challenge (1st Event)
> Three-Point Contest (2nd Event)
> Slam Dunk Contest(3rd Event)
Sunday, Feb. 14
- 8:30 p.m. -NBA All-Star Game| TNT
All schedules are in Eastern (ET).
