It is that time of the season when deserving players get rewarded by being named All-Stars. While it is a huge achievement for players to play in the prestigious event for the first time, even veterans look forward to being named as one of the starters in the same.
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Like a majority of the time, this season too, the battle for the Eastern Conference frontcourt All-Star starters is as intense as it can get. With Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Joel Embiid, all playing at an MVP level, it’ll be an extremely tough decision to bench one of the four superstars.
Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal Picks Sixers’ Star Over 2022 NBA Finalist as Eastern All-Star Starter
Just like many other basketball enthusiasts around the world, even Tatum couldn’t name the one player who would be coming off the bench.
“I don’t even know if I can answer that question”: Jayson Tatum
Prior to the Boston Celtics’ clash against the Brooklyn Nets, the former Duke Blue Devil was asked to name the “top 3” among the four big men.
Ernie Johnson: “Be interesting to hear your take on what is going to be a real tough call on the frontcourt starters in the East in the All-Star. With you and Giannis, KD, and Embiid. Tell me who the top 3 should be.”
JT didn’t want to create any controversies. Mentioning that all 4 will be in Utah for ASG 2023 regardless, the Cs’ leader decided to give a diplomatic answer to Ernie:
“You put me in a tough spot. I don’t even know if I can answer that question. All 4 guys averaging 30 and playing on winning teams and being at the top. It’s tough that only 3 of us can start, somebody’s gonna be left out. I got no doubt in my mind that all 4 of us will be in Utah regardless.”
Current standings of the East frontcourt All-Star starters from the vote return
Let’s get one thing straight. All 4 of these stars are playing some of the best basketball we’ve seen. Further, all of them are leading their respective team to a pretty good spot in the East – Celtics (#1), Nets (#2), Bucks (#3), and Sixers (#5).
Everyone is not only averaging around the 30 PPG mark, but is also ranked #3-#6 on the MVP Ladder with Jayson coming 3rd, Giannis coming 4th, JoJo coming 5th, and Durant falling to the 6th spot.
Currently, the Durantula (4,509,238) and the Greek Freak (4,467,306) are the top two vote-getters in the East frontcourt pool. The 2022 ECF MVP comes in 3rd with 3,281,124 votes, with Embiid not far behind in #4 with 3,248,733 votes.
While all four are deserving to start on 19th Feb, it’ll be interesting to see which three emerge victoriously.
Also Read: LeBron James Cites Kevin Durant the Foremost Threat to His Inevitable Scoring Record
