The starters in the 2016 NBA All-Star game have been announced. Kyle Lowry, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony on the Eastern conference team; Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard for the Western conference team. Leonard is the only one among the ten who has never been to the All-Star game.
East
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors point guard makes his second All-Star game on the back of a fantastic first half to the season, on pace to be the best of his career. He’s averaging 20.9 points, 6.5 assists and 5 rebounds per game.
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Wade makes his 12th consecutive All-Star game thanks to popularity and past achievements and not current ability. He’s averaging 18.1 points per game this season, which is on pace to be his worst scoring season since his rookie year in 2003-2004.
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Like Wade, James is making his 12th consecutive All-Star game. Unlike Wade, his former Heat teammate, he’s still going strong, averaging 25 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
A third All-Star selection for George, who is doing wonderful for the Pacers in his comeback season, despite playing in a position that’s new to him. He’s averaging a career best 23.7 points per game so far, also grabbing 7.4 rebounds per game.
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Changed or not, Anthony makes his ninth All-Star game and seventh in a row, averaging 21.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for the much improved Knicks, probably willing to share the ball more than ever before with his teammates. Anthony beat Pau Gasol to make it into the lineup by 360 votes.
West
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
This is the third time in a row Curry makes the All-Star game, and this might be the season he wins his second MVP in a row. He’s averaging an NBA-best 29.9 points per game this season, coming with 5.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
This is the fifth time Westbrook makes it into the All-Star game. He’s averaging 24 points. 7.1 rebounds and 9.8 assists per in what might be his best season to date.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Fans really wanted Bryant in the All-Star game for his retirement season, making the All-Star with more votes than anyone, becoming his 18th All-Star appearance. He’s averaging 16.3 points per game.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant makes the All-Star game for the 7th consecutive time, without the criticism he got from last season. He’s averaging 26.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in a very well round comeback season for him.
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard makes the All-Star game for the first time despite already being an NBA Finals MVP and a Defensive Player of the year winner once. In his fifth season he’s finally putting up star numbers, averaging 20.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.