NBA All-Star Game 2021: Damian Lillard and James Harden among reservists selected by league coaches

The NBA announced its debutants for the All-Star Game last Thursday, but given the somewhat predictable nature of selecting each conference’s top five players, tonight’s reveal is the most significant. On Tuesday, the league unveiled the seven All-Star reserves for each conference, as selected by the coaches within those conferences. The seven slots were split between two guards, three frontcourt players and two wild cards to get rosters up to 12, with the inclusion of the five starters. Here are the 14 reservists who won their places on Tuesday:

Eastern Conference

G: James Harden

G: Jaylen Brown

FC: Jayson Tatum

FC: Julius Randle

FC: Nikola Vucevic

World Championship: Ben Simmons

WC: Zach LaVine

Western Conference

G: Damian Lillard

G: Chris Paul

FC: Anthony Davis

FC: Rudy Gobert

FC: Zion Williamson

World Championship: Donovan Mitchell

WC: Paul George

The obvious absence here is Mike Conley, widely regarded as the best active player to ever make an All-Star Game. However, with Davis still injured, the commissioner has the right to name a replacement if he misses the event. This will give Conley at least one more chance to be a part of the game. He will face stiff competition from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, a 2020 All-Star, and young guards Ja Morant and Shai Gilgeous. -Alexander.

The Eastern Conference is going to be more controversial. With so many worthy names, there would inevitably be multiple snubs. Among them, Domantas Sabonis, Trae Young, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Of these 14 total reserves, four are newcomers: LaVine, Randle, Brown and Williamson.

These lists will not actually play together in the All-Star Game itself. As has been the case in the last three All-Star Games, the best vote from each conference will serve as the captain in a draft to distribute that talent. LeBron James will serve as captain and his team will be coached by Quin Snyder. Kevin Durant will serve as another captain, and his team will be coached by Doc Rivers. The All-Star Draft will take place on March 4, just days before the game.

Like last year, the All-Star Game will be played in a modified version of the Elam Ending format. In honor of Kobe Bryant, 24 points will be added to the lead team’s score after three quarters. Whoever reaches this point total first wins the game.