Note: This article was written before the 2022 NBA All-Star Reserve Picks Were Announced
First off, congratulations to Golden State Warriors Forward, Andrew Wiggins for making his very first All-Star team. The Thornhill native was controversially voted in through the fan vote along with the rest of the starters. As a front court player, he joins the Western Conference Starters––Stephen Curry and Ja Morant in the backcourt, with Nikola Jokic and Lebron James in the frontcourt. The Eastern Conference Starters are Trae Young and Demar DeRozan in the backcourt, with Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt. Each conference gets seven additional reserves. Durant is injured, thus creating an eighth slot in the Eastern Conference. Without further ado, here are my All-Star Reserves.
For the Eastern Conference:
James Harden, Shooting Guard, Brooklyn Nets, 23.0 PPG/8.1 RPG/10.1 APG
While teammate Kyrie Irving has been busy getting enlightened over vaccines, “The Beard” has put together a solid season thus far. The Nets have work to do with Durant being injured, and Harden is no longer putting up the gaudy numbers in his MVP days, but he should still be an All-Star.
Jarrett Allen, Center, Cleveland Cavaliers, 16.1 PPG/11.0 RPG/1.5 BPG
The Cavs have been a pleasant surprise this year and Allen is a major reason why. He has elevated himself into one of the best big men in the league and his defensive impact cannot be understated. I want to reward the Cavs for having their best season since Lebron left.
Zach LaVine, Shooting Guard, Chicago Bulls, 25.0 PPG/4.9 RPG/4.3 APG
Teammate Demar DeRozan got the starting spot, but LaVine is certainly no slouch. The former Slam Dunk Champion has had a great season, helping propel the Bulls into one of the top spots in the Eastern Conference.
Jimmy Butler, Shooting Guard, Miami Heat, 22.0 PPG/6.3 RPG/6.3 APG
The Heat have been plagued with injury all season yet they sit atop the Eastern Conference fifty games into the season. Miami has had many players contribute this year, and Tyler Herro definitely deserves serious consideration. However, Butler is their leader and best player.
Darius Garland, Point Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers, 19.7 PPG/8.2 APG/1.3 SPG
Allen has been the key defensively, but the offense is run by their sensational third year point guard. The Cavs entered the season without giving a contract extension to Colin Sexton, opting to see what they had between Garland and Sexton. It turns out that they have an All-Star in Garland.
Jayson Tatum, Small Forward, Boston Celtics, 26.2 PPG/8.4 RPG/4.0 APG
It has been a down year for Tatum and the Celtics. Both player and team have not been able to live up to huge expectations. But it’s clear that a down season for Tatum, still amounts to an All-Star caliber season. The Celtics may be struggling, but Tatum individually deserves to be in.
Miles Bridges, Power Forward, Charlotte Hornets, 20.3 PPG/7.3 RPG/3.5 APG
The Hornets have been good this season and the ascension of Bridges is the core reason. The fourth year player is averaging career highs across the board, and currently have the Hornets five games above .500. I am also wary of the fact this may be his only chance to get in.
Fred VanVleet, Point Guard, Toronto Raptors, 21.7 PPG/4.7 RPG/7.0 APG
Yes, I am a homer. Yes, Beal, Sabonis, and LaMelo are arguably having better seasons. But, the Raptors are right in the playoff hunt due to Freddy taking the next step. He has hit big shots and cemented himself as one of the better on-ball defenders in the league.
For the Western Conference:
Chris Paul, Point God, Phoenix Suns, 14.7 PPG/10.5 APG/1.9 SPG
“CP3” is aging like a fine wine. The Suns sit atop the NBA with the best record in the league. Paul has transformed the Suns organization from a laughing stock to the team to beat. A true floor general.
Devin Booker, Shooting Guard, Phoenix Suns, 25.1 PPG/5.5 RPG/4.5 APG
He may not be able to handle a mascot distracting him in an empty stadium but Booker has been fantastic this season. The years of being ignored due to his team’s abysmal record are over: Booker is a mainstay in the All-Star team going forward.
Rudy Gobert, Center, Utah Jazz, 16.0 PPG/15.1 RPG/ 2.3 BPG
It’s not just about the stats, it’s about the overall impact of a player. Even casual fans can see that Utah’s defense is atrocious without the “Stifle Tower” in the middle. The Jazz have been hit by injuries, but the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is clearly an All-Star.
Donovan Mitchell, Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz, 25.5 PPG/4.0 RPG/5.2 APG
“Spida” is having his usual year. The Jazz are a premier team in the West and will be looking for more success in the playoffs. But for now, Mitchell joins his teammate on the All-Star reserves.
Luka Doncic, Unicorn, Dallas Mavericks, 25.4 PPG/8.8 RPG/8.8 APG
Luka came into the season out of shape but has been getting back into his groove as the season has continued. Many feel that Wiggins stole the starter spot, but Luka is as surefire a lock to make the team that can exist.
Draymond Green, Point-Forward, Golden State Warriors, 7.9 PPG/7.6 RPG/7.4 APG
The stats are not eye-popping, but real fans understand what Draymond brings to the table. Curry has struggled since Green has been out, thus elevating his All-Star claim even more. The Warriors dynasty is back and with Green leading the Defensive Player of the Year discussion, he should be an All-Star.
Karl Anthony Towns, Center, Minnesota Timberwolves, 24.2 PPG/9.4 RPG/3.7 APG
“KAT” has had a rough year on and off the court. The T-Wolves are clinging to the eighth seed in the West and Towns has been their best player. He remains an All-Star for Minnesota… for now I guess.