5 players to watch in 2023 NBA All-Star Game
The stars are aligning in Utah at least for the 2023 All-Star Game.
Twenty-four of the NBAs premier stars will take the court in Salt Lake City to showcase their talent in the annual event.
LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the two captains for the game and will pick their teams in a live draft just before tip-off. The Bucks star suffered a wrist injury on Thursday and his status for this weekend is still unclear. But we do know players like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson will not play due to injuries.
Here are five players to watch in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 19, excluding the players aforementioned:
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
The All-Star Game is not necessarily about talent, more so its about flair. The ending of the games can get intense, but the majority of it is about the stars putting on an offensive show and wowing the crowd.
Enter Ja Morant, the young Grizzlies star who is as exciting as it gets. Just watch this poster from last month.
Morant was the first reserve selected from the Western Conference, and hell replace Curry as a starter.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
The Celtics have two worthy All-Stars to include in this list, but it goes to Jayson Tatum. The 24-year-old forward continues his upward trajectory in the NBA and his quest for NBA Finals revenge is looking stronger than ever.
He has a deep scoring bag that makes him one of the most versatile weapons in the league, and he occasionally delivers emphatic posters that last in the memory. This was on Christmas Day over Antetokounmpo.
Tatum was selected as a starter from the East.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City got off to a slow start this season, but its slowly crept up the ranks in the West. Even if a postseason appearance isnt in the cards this season, the future is clearly bright with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way.
The 24-year-old 6-foot-6 guard is a dream profile. He initiates, scores from anywhere, guards multiple positions and has the clutch factor.
Simply put, put the ball in his hands and good things will happen. He may not be a household name, just yet, but this could be an opportunity to showcase his abilities to a wider audience.
Gilgeous-Alexander was selected as a reserve.
DeAaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Speaking of clutch, Kings guard DeAaron Fox is now an All-Star as an injury replacement, though he shouldve earned the nod from the get-go. He has the same number of De’Aaron Fox has the same amount of clutch buckets this season as
Kevin Durant
Ja Morant
James Harden
Devin Booker
combined. pic.twitter.com/8JSHf6AhT9
He and fellow teammate and All-Star Domantas Sabonis have been instrumental in getting Sacramento to the No. 3 seed out West as the franchise hopes to end a 16-year playoff drought.
Hes one of the fastest guards in the NBA with an underrated highlight kit and could look to stamp his name on a bigger platform, similar to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Nikola Joki, Denver Nuggets
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton initially had this spot to give the East some love, but its hard to overlook what The Joker brings to the table.
The Nuggets star is currently averaging 24.9 points, 11.4 rebounds and 10.1 assists for the Western Conferences No. 1 seed and hes a center.
Dunks, speed and scoring have been themes from previous names, but Jokis passing prowess warranted recognition. Expect him to combine with his teammates in a similar fashion to this incredible no-look nutmeg assist from this past December.
Joki was selected as a starter.
