The 2017 NBA All Star Starters we’re announced this week, as voted by the fans, media and players.  As usual, most selections seem about right, however as always, a few notables did not make the starters list.  This doesn’t mean these non-starters will not be added as reserves.  Here’s how it played out…

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Backcourt
Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers); Demar DeRozan (Raptors)

Frontcourt
LeBron James (Cavaliers); Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks); Jimmy Butler (Bulls)

WESTERN CONFEERENCE

Backcourt
Stephen Curry (Warriors); James Harden (Rockets)

Frontcourt
Kevin Durant (Thunder); Kawhi Leonard (Spurs); Anthony Davis (Pelicans)

The way I voted…
Eastern Conference:

Kyle Lowry; Demar DeRozan; Giannis Antetokounmpo; LeBron James; Joel Embiid

Western Conference:

Russell Westbrook; James Harden; Kevin Durant; Karl-Anthony Towns; DeMarcus Cousins

Other players not mentioned in the above lists, that deserve to be on the roster(s): Isaiah Thomas; Paul George; Kevin Love; Chris Paul; Damian Lillard; LaMarcus Aldridge

Of note… My only real issue with this year’s list is that Russell Westbrook did not make it as a starter.  Stephen Curry is without a doubt one of the league’s top players, however Russell Westbrook is having an special season, thus far.  He along with James Harden, should be the starting backcourt for the Western Conference.  Westbrook will indeed be on the reserve list, however he deserves to be the starting point guard.

As always, this is going to be a fantastic weekend!  New Orleans will no doubt be a great host city, as in the previous years it held this special game.

*image from thesource.com