As of Thursday the starters for the Eastern and Western Conference 2015 All Star Game was announced. Now that the All-Stars for both conferences have been announced, here are who I feel the reserves should be for each conference.
Eastern Conference Front Court Reserves
Nikola Vucevic- In spite of the Orlando Magic's 15-32 record, seven foot Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic is tied with DeMarcus Cousins in the NBA with 26 double-doubles. Vucevic is averaging 19.6 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game on 53 percent shooting from the field.
I think he deserves to be in the all-star game.
Paul Millsap- A 6 foot 8 power forward who is one of the reasons the Atlanta Hawks are successful this season. Millsap is averaging 17 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, shooting 48% from the field and 35% from the three point line. A great pick and pop player for the Hawks. Millsap will be a sought out free agent during the 2015 off season. I think the Hawks if possible should resign him.
Al Horford- The Hawks big man is putting up 15.2 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, 3.2 assists per game, 1.4 blocks per game and shooting 54 percent from the field. I underestimated this team during the off-season because I wasn't sure of the health of Horford would be. I feel he is the best player on the Hawks, and is my favorite player on the Hawks.
Eastern Conference Backcourt
Jeff Teague- The Atlanta Hawks have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 37-8. Jeff Teague's play has been one of the biggest factors to why the Hawks are playing great. Teague is averaging 17.1 points per game, 7.5 assists per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, 1.8 steals per game, shooting 47 percent from the field, 33 percent from three, and 86 percent from the free throw line. If Teague or one other Hawks players doesn't make the all-star team year, it will be a huge robbery.
Kyrie Irving- I almost wanted to add a third shooting guard here instead, but the factor is, I wanted to see three point guards in the All-Star game. Kyrie Irving scoring alone leads me to put him on my Eastern Conference All-Star Reserves. Kyrie is averaging 20.9 points per game, 5.2 assists per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, 1.6 steals per game, 46% FG, 38% three point land, and 83% from free throw line.
Jimmy Butler- After last year averaging 13.1 points per game, Jimmy Butler has to be a candidate for most improved player of the year award. Butler has upped his scoring by 7 points per game. Butler is currently averaging 20.1 points per game, 6 rebounds per game, 3.3 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game, 45 % FG, 34% 3PT, and 83% FT. Having Butler improve in scoring and the addition of Pau Gasol gives athletic superstar point guard Derrick Rose some help.
Kyle Korver- I almost put Bradley Beal on here because of already having three Atlanta Hawks players on my list, but with the kind of year Korver is having from the field, from three and from the free throw line can't go unnoticed. Korver if averaging 12.9 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, 2.9 assists per game, shooting 51 percent from the field, shooting 53 percent from three, and 92 percent from the line. If Korver can keep up this rate, he will be the first player in NBA history to shooting 50 percent from the field, 50 percent from three and 90 percent from the free throw line. Korver while doesn't have a great scoring average, he has to get credit for his great percentages.
My Western Conference All-Star Reserves
Front Court
DeMarcus Cousins- In spite they have a 16-27 record, Cousins is tied with Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic with 26 double-doubles. I think Cousins is one of the best players on a team with a losing record. Cousins is currently averaging 24.2 points per game, 12.6 rebounds per game, 1.6 blocks per game, 1.4 steals per game, 48 percent from the field, 50 percent from three and 80 percent from the line. Cousins is an amazing big man who can get it done on both the offensive and defensive end. DeMarcus Cousins is to me a top 5 NBA center today.
LaMarcus Aldridge- The Portland Blazers all-star power forward will be a targeted free agent during the off-season until the Blazers sign him long term. LaMarcus has improved his game with a great jump shot and now knocking down three's. The Blazers are 32-13 and 3rd in the Western Conference. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the biggest reasons why. Aldridge is averaging 23.3 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game, 1.9 assists per game, 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 46 percent from the field, 50 percent from three point land, and 86 percent from the free throw line.
Tim Duncan- The San Antonio Spurs 38 year old power forward is still playing at a high level. Duncan has great character and such a classy guy. Duncan is averaging 14.8 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, 3.1 assists per game and 2 blocks per game. Duncan is shooting 48 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free throw line.
My Western Conference Back Court All Star Reserves
Klay Thompson- After last week scoring 37 points in a quarter in a game, Klay Thompson is the second reason behind Stephen Curry why the Warriors have the best record in the NBA. Klay is averaging 22.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, shooting 48 from the field, 45 from three point land, and shooting 86 percent from the line. I admit watching Klay and Steph is incredible and they are box office.
James Harden- Harden along with Stephen Curry has to be in discussion for MVP this season. Harden is the leader of the Houston Rockets, and has helped the Houston Rockets to a 31-14 record which is 4th in the Western Conference Harden is currently averaging 27.6 points per game, 6.8 assists per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 2 steals per game, 45 percent from the field, 38 from three and 88 from the line. So go on everyone and Fear The Beard.
Monta Ellis- Ellis is the best player on the Dallas Mavericks this season. Having Monta and Dirk opens up more offensive for the Dallas Mavericks. Ellis is currently averaging 20.3 points per game, 4.4 assists per game, 2.5 rebounds per game, 1.8 steals per game, 45 percent from the line, 33 percent from three, and 77 percent from the free throw line.
Damian Lillard- I would have put Russell Westbrook here, but he has been injured too much for me to put him here. Lillard is having a good year for the Blazers. Damian Lillard the Portland Trailblazers point guard is averaging 22 points per game, 6.2 assists per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, 1.4 steals per game. Lillard is shooting 43 percent from the field, 36 percent from three, and 86 percent from the line.
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