New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis already knew he was heading to his first NBA All-Star Game. Thursday, he found out which team he’ll be playing for.
As a member of the New York Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis has gone up against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers 10 times thus far in his NBA career. On Sunday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. ET, he’ll team up with King James in the NBA All-Star Game, being held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center.
As drafted by #NBAAllStar team captains #LeBronJames and #StephenCurry….
The 2018 @NBAAllStar Rosters! pic.twitter.com/TbZtvitP4f
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2018
Porzingis, who wasn’t happy when it was revealed that he wasn’t selected as a starter for the midseason spectacle, will be coming off the bench for Team LeBron. But he’ll be riding the pine—to start the game, at least—with some impressive company, including Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, the reigning NBA MVP.
Here’s how the team breaks down, though the draft order remains a secret.
Team LeBron (starters indicated by italics)
- LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
- Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
- DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans
- Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
- Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
- Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
- Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
- John Wall, Washington Wizards
- Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Not only did LeBron draft Kevin Love, a player who some of his teammates believe may have quit on the team last weekend, but he selected his former running-mate in Cleveland, Kyrie Irving.
Stephen Curry, meanwhile, won’t get to run with Kevin Durant, as he does during the regular season with Golden State, but he made sure to bring two of his current teammates along for the ride.
Team Steph (starters indicated by italics)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Jimmy Butler, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Demar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
- Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
- James Harden, Houston Rockets
- Al Horford, Boston Celtics
- Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
- Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
- Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
- Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
On paper, you might give LeBron’s team an advantage, but it’s going to be near-impossible to stop, much less contain, a starting lineup that features four of the league’s most prolific scorers in Giannis, Steph, DeRozan and Harden.
With defense seemingly optional during these All-Star exhibitions, it wouldn’t at all be shocking to see a new All-Star Game record for total combined points set when these teams finally face off.
