Selecting this year’s All-Star team was a particularly daunting process. For several overt reasons, the league feels less consistent and borderline unreadable right now. At the same time, it’s brimming with ridiculous talent. At least 30 names seem like obvious shoe-ins when you say them out loud. Sadly, only 24 can make it. These are the ones I chose.
Eastern Conference
Frontcourt starters
Joel Embiid, Sixers
Nothing is more frustrating for a defense than Embiid’s mid-range jumper. Once a source of relief for those who were thrilled to watch basketball’s most physically imposing player show off his preternatural finesse instead, it’s now arguably the most effective part of Embiid’s entire attack.