Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant were near-unanimous selections for frontcourt starting spots in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
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Who are your All-Star starters from the Eastern Conference?
Who are your All-Star starters from the Western Conference?
Backcourt
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Frontcourt
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nugget
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Fans might say otherwise — which would be fine — but Stephen Curry’s total of nine All-Star starts should end this season. Due to the depth at his position out West, and to Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic in particular. Both are Kia MVP candidates, indispensable to their team’s ambitions — and immense fun to watch, too.
Somehow Jokic leads the league in defensive rebounds, is the only non-guard in the top six in assists and has 11 triple-doubles, among his many eclectic credits. Durant at 35 is scoring more and shooting way better than his career numbers, which already had been good for 13 All-Star appearances. Then there’s LeBron at 39 … (His teammate, Anthony Davis, should make this squad, too, but not starting up front over these three.) — Steve Aschburner
Backcourt
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Frontcourt
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
An All-NBA First Teamer last season, Gilgeous-Alexander has improved (career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and FG percentage). Doncic is second in scoring and third in assists with career-best marks. Jokic leads in triple-doubles and is the only player ranked top 15 in points, rebounds and assists.
Not only will James become the first-ever 20-time All-Star, he’ll have done so in 20 consecutive years, all as a starter, adding another win in his epic battle with Father Time. When it comes to Durant, the team may change, the teammates may change, but the buckets never stop. He is fifth in scoring and No. 1 in 3-point percentage (career-high 47.7%). Toughest omission: Anthony Edwards to give the West-leading Wolves a starter. — Brian Martin
Backcourt
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Frontcourt
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Unlike the East, the power in the West is in the backcourt. Just look at those who missed the cut here: De’Aaron Fox, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards. But, them’s the breaks because Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander are MVP-worthy. Meanwhile: Davis and Durant over LeBron James? Is that any way to treat a senior citizen? Close call for sure. At least LeBron got the In-Season Tournament MVP. He’s good. — Shaun Powell
Backcourt
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Frontcourt
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic were written in pen without much thought, and there’s just no denying Doncic’s numbers and value to his team. Those three guys have winning teams completely built around them.
Durant is one of three guys averaging 28, 6 and 6, and he’s doing it with efficient scoring. Leonard’s offensive numbers aren’t at that level, but he’s been similarly efficient and the fourth-place Clippers have been 17.2 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor than they’ve been with him off the floor. Anthony Davis, Paul George, LeBron James and Rudy Gobert will all get another look when it’s time to submit the real ballot. — John Schuhmann
Backcourt
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma CIty Thunder
Frontcourt
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
The guard selections should be a no-brainer, as Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander are playing a level above the rest of the guards in the West. Doncic carried Dallas through Kyrie Irving’s 13-game absence, while Gilgeous-Alexander has led OKC to near the top of the West. They should be unanimous selections. Two-time MVP and defending champion Jokic also fits into that category.
The wing spots are where it gets trickier. But count on James, at 39, to take sole possession of the record for All-Star selections (20). Durant won’t be denied either, considering he’s putting together one of his finest shooting seasons and could finish with another 50-40-90 campaign. — Michael C. Wright
