The 2022 NBA All-Star festivities will be televised across free-to-air channels TV5 and One Sports, as well as NBA TV Philippines (available on Smart's GigaPlay app and Cignal TV).
Norman Black
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns
Backcourt: Steph Curry, Ja Morant
To me, there are three shoo-ins in the West: LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Nikola Jokic. For the other guard spot, I'd put in Ja Morant for what he's done for the Grizzlies. He's the catalyst and the leader of that Memphis team. Morant is also one of the most exciting players in the league. He's the type of player you want in the All-Star game. If it were up to me, I'd put Devin Booker in at the forward spot, but since he isn't listed as a frontcourt player, I'd go with Karl-Anthony Towns. He's been one of the best centers in the league. Despite Minnesota not being consistent in the standings, Towns has been consistent in keeping the Timberwolves in contention in most games.
Camille Clarin
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns
Backcourt: Steph Curry, Ja Morant
LeBron has been nothing short of impressive this season in terms of personal play. To match his 2009-10 average of 29 points per game at the age of 37 is beyond me and makes him a no-brainer to lead this year’s All-Stars. The Joker has always been a favorite of mine with his beautiful dimes, but his consistency in filling the entire stat sheet and ability to have 40 point triple-doubles speak volumes about how he’s the epitome of an All-Star. KAT was a little bit of a wild card for me, I had no obvious choice for my third frontcourt player, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate the new-age big man. With an almost double-double average plus a 40 percent 3-point clip, I couldn’t help but show him some love.
Moving on to the guards of the West, I selected none other than Steph and Ja. Yes, they’re the favorites and for good reason. Steph may have had a January slump, but he is still undoubtedly one of the most prolific scorers in the league and an All-Star in every sense of the word. Ja has been phenomenal with his play this year, but what impressed me most was how he lifted his team to the No. 3 spot in the league. With his dunks, his buckets, his swag, and his winning percentage, the guy’s got it all this year.
Bea Daez-Fabros
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert
Backcourt: Steph Curry, Ja Morant
Not only has Steph Curry broken the record for all-time most 3s made, he has helped lead the Golden State Warriors dominate once again in the league. They are second in the Western Conference and are looking like their championship selves from 2018. As for Ja Morant, he has proven to be the best pick of the 2019 rookie draft despite being chosen as the second overall pick. He is definitely well on his way to make his first All-Star appearance with his elite athleticism, fearless mentality, and uncanny ability to attack the rim. I mean, who, as a point guard, ranks third in points in the paint at 14.2 points per game?
LeBron James, of course, is a shoo-in to the All-Star team for the 18th time. King James, despite being 37 years old, has shown no signs of slowing down. With the Los Angeles Lakers being below .500 most of the season, James has slowly led them back to the .500 mark to date. With Nikola Jokic’s consistent numbers, he may be well on his way to get that back-to-back MVP award. He changes the overall game of the normal center we are used to. He leads the league in centers not just in rebounds and points in the paint, but assists as well. Rudy Gobert has always been known for his defense, but this year, he has definitely worked on his offense as well. He is averaging 16 and 15 on a 70 percent shooting clip, which is unheard of.
Diego Dario
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns
Backcourt: Stephen Curry, Devin Booker
When we talk about the All-Star Game, it’s about individual performances and talent. There’s no question that Curry should start. He’s had an inspirational season so far. He’s basically setting a new record every time he hits a 3. My Booker pick might be a surprise to some, but you’ve got to give credit to him for leading his team to the best record in the league.
LeBron James is not supposed to be playing like a beast at his age, but he continues to strive for greatness. The Lakers might be struggling at this point of the season, but the fact remains that LeBron’s consistency throughout his career has not stopped. Karl-Anthony Towns has to be one of the most consistent hoopers in the NBA. Every game, he can give you at least 20 points, grab almost 10 rebounds, dish a couple of assists, and get it done on the other side too with his blocks and steals. Nikola Jokic is still playing like the MVP this year. I don’t think we’ve seen anything like him ever. Passing, shooting, strength down low, receptiveness and crazy numbers – Jokic has it all, so he gets this starting spot no doubt.
Isaac Go
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns
Backcourt: Steph Curry, Ja Morant
For me, Curry, James, and Jokic were no-brainers as West starters. For the other guard spot, it was a toss-up between Morant and Booker. Both have made leaps individually and for their team, which has put them both into All-Star consideration. I kept going back and forth about who deserves it more, but I had to give it to Morant. He is the driving force behind the Grizzlies’ surge. He has improved across the board and is producing at an amazing rate. Hopefully, he is able to keep this up for the rest of the year, but for right now, he has the edge over the Suns' backcourt for this slot.
Chris Newsome
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert
Backcourt: Steph Curry, Ja Morant
You can’t have an All-Star Game without LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Nikola Jokic. But it’s the two other guys that needed a little more thinking. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is at it again, leading the league in double-doubles. He’s also a prime reason the Utah Jazz has been at the top of the league standings for the last 3 years. Gobert’s numbers don’t lie and he’s definitely got them.
On the other hand, the young Ja Morant deserves to be an All-Star and I think he can go straight into the starting position. He is easily one of my favorite players of this new generation, that’s why Ja has earned my vote as a starter this year. The numbers are there, and the highlights are definitely there! His overall impact on the league is becoming more and more noticeable all while being in a small market. This kid is for real.
Gabe Norwood
Frontcourt: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Andrew Wiggins
Backcourt: Steph Curry, Devin Booker
No matter the win-loss column, the production of LeBron James is amazing after nearly two decades in the league. Steph Curry and Nikola Jokic, two former MVPs, have been consistent all season and always prove to be entertainers during the past All-Star festivities. The best team in the West has to have at least one starter, and even though Chris Paul is balling, I had to give the nod to Devin Booker. Andrew Wiggins, meanwhile, is maximizing his abilities in Golden State and he has the numbers to back it up. I know I’m going to take some heat for this, but Luka Doncic would be on my “next guy in” list.
