Yesterday, the NBA officially announced the 2022 All-Star starter list, which is basically within everyone's expectations, and the controversy is relatively small. For example, Wiggins's statistical performance does not meet the starting standards, and with the help of the Warriors' record, the importance of his attack and defense in the team, and the injuries of potential competitors, it is well deserved to be selected as a starter. Next, let's predict the replacement candidates, from the perspective of a professional like the coach, rather than based on the base of the fan vote, I think the prediction is eight or nine.
Predict the west first. The first one to be selected is Doncic, although the data efficiency has declined compared with last year, but the 077 is still the well-deserved core of the Lone Ranger, and the team's record this season has also improved to the top five in the West, especially some time ago, wave after wave of small wins, which is impressive.
There is no suspense in the Suns' double-gun selection in the backcourt. At present, the Suns' record has ranked first in the league, Paul and Booker have both entered the top ten of the official MVP list, and their personal performance and team record are double support, there is no reason not to be selected.
Considering that Mitchell has missed many consecutive games due to injury, the Jazz have basically only one person selected this year, that is, the interior gate Gobert. Not only has Gobert maintained defensive influence at the level of the best defensive player, but he has also been the rebounding king so far this season.
Towns will occupy a spot in the frontcourt. The Timberwolves are expected to return to the playoffs this season, Towns no longer appear to have empty stats, and attendance is guaranteed, making the selection not a big problem.
Dream Green and Paul George both received high votes and were recognized by the media and fans. However, Paul George has been absent since December 23, and Dream Chasing has been absent for more than half a month, and in the end, among the two people, Dream Chasing is more likely to be selected.
The last seat in the West could be given to Spurs' Murray. One is that considering that his players and media votes are highly ranked, they will also be recognized by coaches. Second, Murray's performance has improved a lot this season, playing a quasi-triple-double, which should be recognized by the All-Star.
Then predict the east. Harden has lost the start for two consecutive years, but there is no suspense in entering the bench lineup. The Nets have a big three this season, and as a result, Eastern Conference ticket king Durant can't play the All-Star due to injury, and Irving can't get into the All-Star because he only played 7 games without vaccination. Therefore, no matter how Harden's state declines, he will also enter the bench with the identity of one of the core of the Nets, and it is impossible for the Nets to be selected as the best team in the East.
Lavin certainly has a seat. The Bulls' record this season has improved significantly, which is not unrelated to the reinforcement of the offseason, especially DeRozan, who played the peak performance and locked in the Eastern Conference backcourt ticket king. LaVine played equally well, losing the starters because of his low profile, diligence and brilliance being overshadowed by DeRozan, but there were still substitute seats.
For the First Place Heat in the East, Butler is definitely selected. Earlier, Butler talked about brotherhood and righteousness, and once said that "Adebayor does not enter the All-Star and I will not be selected." But this season has been different, with the Heat having spiritual leader Lowry and Adebayor stats slipping. Whether Butler likes it or not, he'll get an All-Star bench first.
The Cavaliers may have two people on the list. The Cavaliers' record has jumped this season and is currently in third place in the East, successfully getting rid of the post-James era. Defender Garland averaged 20+8 per game, making it reasonable to be selected as a rookie in the bench. Center Aaron players have a high vote rate, averaging 15+10 per game and offensive and defensive efficiency second only to Embiid among eastern center forwards, the key is that if the east does not consider Allen, the disadvantage against the western interior will be obvious.
The two remaining positions I think are the Celtics' Tatum and the Hornets' three-ball Ball. The Hornets' Bridges is also very good, but first, the Hornets and the Green Army have similar records, and second, Tatum's personal data is better, and the current recognition is also higher, Bridges basically loses to Tatum. And the Hornets must have one person selected, that is, the core ball of the backcourt.
In summary, the seven Western Conference benches are Paul, Booker, Doncic, Gobert, Towns, Green, and Murray. The Seven Eastern Bench are Harden, Lavin, Butler, Garland, Allen, Ball and Tatum.