Official website’s four top experts predict All-Star reserves: 8 players unanimously favored; LeBron James receives 3 votes, Harden 1 vote

On January 24 Beijing time, the NBA official website’s four top experts predicted the All-Star reserve lineup, sharing their chosen lists. Both the East and West had four players each who secured all 4 votes, while Lakers’ LeBron James received 3 votes, expected to make his 22nd All-Star appearance. Clippers’ Leonard also got 3 votes, with Harden receiving 1 vote.

Voting results for Eastern Conference All-Star reserves

4 votes: Mitchell, Towns, Jalen Johnson, Scotty Barnes

3 votes: Duren, Michael Porter Jr.

2 votes: Giddey, Powell

1 vote: Siakam, Derrick White

When discussing the toughest choices, the four experts explained as follows—

Steve: Josh Giddey. I never agree with the coaching circle’s notion that All-Stars should primarily reward winners. The regular season and playoffs are the true stages to crown victories. Siakam is a seasoned and proven star; just seven months ago, we saw him in the Finals. Now he is stuck in the Pacers’ slump, which is not his fault. Giddey has dropped off many candidate lists due to a hamstring injury, but his near triple-double performance for the Bulls (averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9 assists) is impressive. As long as he recovers by mid-February, he fully deserves this All-Star spot.

Brian: My final spot was a tough decision among several candidates — either playing for struggling teams or missing many games due to injury, sometimes both. I ultimately chose Michael Porter Jr., excluding Giddey, Siakam, and Wagner Jr. Although the Nets rank 13th in the East, Porter has carried much of the team’s offensive load. This season, he’s been the main focus of opponents’ defense yet has still delivered career-best numbers — averaging 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

Sean: I risk being labeled a “hater” or “disrespectful” (neither applies), but I reluctantly left out Pistons’ Duren. He’s a consistent double-double machine; this means only Cunningham from the Pistons makes the All-Star stage. However, All-Star selections don’t overly emphasize team records — that’s for annual awards. Giddey’s double-double and seven triple-double appearances stand out, Porter’s play has been remarkable, and Powell deserves his first All-Star nod. If there’s any controversial pick here, it’s Towns.

Schumann: After deciding on Barnes, Duren, Johnson, and Mitchell, the remaining spot became tricky. Towns and White benefit from their teams’ strong records; the former shines offensively, the latter anchors defense. Porter has been efficient and productive despite the Nets’ thin roster. Barnes contributes all-around for the fourth-ranked Eastern team (though his three-point shooting is lacking). The most unfortunate omissions are Powell, Siakam, and Wagner Jr.

Voting results for Western Conference All-Star reserves

4 votes: Avdija, Durant, Edwards, Jamal Murray

3 votes: LeBron James, Leonard, Sengun

1 vote: Harden, Booker, Holmgren

When discussing the toughest choices, the four experts explained as follows—

Steve: Kawhi Leonard. I’ve seen many fan-submitted reserve lists without LeBron, but the All-Star game is ultimately a fan celebration. Unless Commissioner Silver plans to imitate 2019 by adding a veteran for each conference like Nowitzki and Wade, this 41-year-old future Hall of Famer must be included. The dilemma choosing Leonard arises only because spots are limited; I can’t select both him and Harden. My suggestion? Create a shared All-Star spot where they split appearances and activities — after all, both play in Los Angeles, making commuting easier.

Brian: After selecting Edwards, Durant, Sengun, Avdija, and Murray, the remaining spots became very difficult due to many qualified players. Should the Thunder have two All-Stars with Holmgren joining Alexander? The Suns have exceeded expectations — does Booker deserve a spot? What about Markkanen, Harden, and Randle? Ultimately, driven by sentiment, I chose two Los Angeles stars. Leonard has led the league in scoring over the past month with 32.8 points per game, sparking the Clippers’ revival as hosts. While there will come a time without LeBron at the All-Star weekend, it shouldn’t be this year. This legend, who has defied time more than any other player, deserves his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection.

Sean: I admit sentiment influenced my choices. Harden, LeBron, and Durant’s selections are debatable and borderline. What about Markkanen, Holmgren, and Booker? Undoubtedly, they all deserve All-Star spots. When candidates have similar abilities, I lean on one criterion: who do fans most want to see at this All-Star celebration? After all, it’s essentially a show for the fans. Harden, Durant, and LeBron deserve another chance — these legends have earned it through their careers, much like Kobe, Jordan, and Jabbar enjoyed late-career honors.

Schumann: The most regrettable omissions for me are Harden and Sengun. I believe Holmgren deserves the final spot because among all candidates, he has the highest offensive efficiency. Additionally, he is one of the league’s top defenders and a key contributor to the team that set the NBA’s best net rating record. The other selections were relatively straightforward.

Who do you think should be selected as the All-Star reserves from the East and West? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.