When?
- The NBA All-Star Game is Sunday Feb 17th @ 7pm on TNT
Who are the captains?
- You might have heard of them… LeBron James and Antetokounmpo Giannis
How do they teams work?
- Unlike the Pro Bowl in the NFL, it is not by division. The Captains actually get to chose in a draft. Makes it a lot more fun. Here are who James and Giannis chose:
Team James Team Giannis Last First Team Last First Team Durant Kevin Warriors Curry Steph Warriors Irving Kyrie Celtics Embiid Joel 76ers Leonard Kawhi Raptors George Paul Thunder Harden James Rockets Walker Kemba Hornets Davis Anthony Pelicans Middleton Khris Bucks Thompson Klay Warriors Jokic Nikola Nuggets Lillard Damian Trail Blazers Westbrook * Russell Thunder Simmons* Ben 76ers Griffin Blake Pistons Aldridge LaMarcus Spurs Russell D’Angelo Nets Towns Karl-Anthony Timberwolves Vucevic Nikola Magic Beal Bradley Wizards Lowry Kyle Raptors Wade Dwyane Heat Nowitzki Dirk Mavericks * were traded after the draft - The draft was entertaining to watch (aired for the first time ever on Thursday). Giannis jokingly accused LeBron of tampering after choosing Davis, to which LeBron said “Tampering rules [do] not apply on All Star weekend.” Its going to be a fun game.
- Although he arguably might have some other motives on his mind as LeBron also took players that will be free agents at the end of the year, coincidence? (Durant, Thompson, Irving and Leonard)
- We even had a trade! LeBron wanted Ben Simmons and when Giannis chose him, LeBron actually said “S***, you took my guy.” So after the picks were done they agreed to trade Russell Westbrook for Ben Simmons. We will see who made the better choice here!
- LeBron got to pick first as he had the most votes in the league. They alternate picks. So LeBron got the first pick in round 1 then Giannis gets his round 1 pick and immediately picks his round 2 pick.
I’m sorry, did you say votes?
- Yep. Voting determines who can be categorized as a starter. Fan votes count for 50% with the other 50% being split between players and media.
- The most votes in each conference determines who the captains are, although they can pick players from either conference.
- The captains pick from a pool of players that have been voted as starters or reserve in each conference.
Ok so who got the honor of being picked first?
- LeBron picked Kevin Durant first
- Giannis picked Steph Curry first
- Both players from Golden State Warriors, now playing against each other.
How will I know who is on what team?
- Team LeBron is playing in black uniforms and Team Giannis will be wearing white.
- Each uniform will have the player’s team logo on the front.
But whats the point of the game? What are they playing for?
- Besides pride, the winning team gets $350k while the losing team only gets $150k. Both teams make donations to community charities.
- Team LeBron is playing for Right Moves for Youth (student support charity in Charlotte).
- Team Giannis is playing for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (food bank that gives out food and other household necessities).
- This game was first played in 1951 in an effort to increase the popularity of basketball after the college basketball point shaving scandal.
- This was where some 33 players at ~7 schools reportedly took money to fix games, effecting the outcome of 86 games from 1947-1951
- It worked drawing 2xs the attendance of an average game.
- In 2010, the All-Star game held in Arlington, TX had 108k in attendance.
Besides players from almost every team playing into 2 super teams, any other differences?
- The game is played with normal NBA rules, however there are some differences.
- Players might be playing slightly different positions, since the starters are determined by voting.
- Halftime is the equivalent of the Super Bowl halftime with an All-star music line up.
- This year’s performer is J. Cole.
- There are also exhibition games and challenges for NBA players, alumni, rookies, celebs, etc.
- Skills Challenge
- 3 Point Contest
- Slam Dunk Contest
- Celebrity Game
- Rising Stars Challenge
Other fun facts:
- The Eastern Conference holds the winning record over the Western Conference 37-29.
- Team LeBron won last year over Team Stephen 148-145
- Portland, Sacramento, Memphis, and Oklahoma City are the only current cities with an NBA team to not yet host an NBA All-Star Game
