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After being initially left out as a starter in this year’s voting for the All-Star game, Joel Embiid was the first name selected by LeBron James along with ex-teammate Kyrie Irving, as Utah’s Lauri Markkanen was the last among starters to be chosen by Team Giannis.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, James and Antetokounmpo – this year’s captains – took turns drafting from the pool of 22 players voted into the All-Star field. First, they picked from the 14 All-Star reserves, then from the eight All-Star starters.
The draft featured several entertaining bits, including Giannis trying to select Ja Morant, of the Memphis Grizzlies, with a reserve pick before being reminded that the point guard was actually voted as a starter.
‘The Greek Freak’ was eventually able to draft Morant as his second pick from the starters pool.
For the first time in the All-Star Game’s 71-year history (the first taking place in 1951), the draft took place prior to the renowned five-aside contest. Giannis got to choose from the pool of players voted as reserves first.
Team LeBron drafted starters above Team Giannis due to James finishing first in All-Star voting
‘The King’ first drafted Joel Embiid, who was left out as a starter in this year’s voting in January
FRIENDS REUNITE: The 38-year-old James then selected ex-Cavs teammate Kyrie Irving, 30
SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST: Utah’s Lauri Markkanen was the last starter to be drafted this year
The picking order switched when it came to the starters, with James going first due to his ranking in the All-Star voting results.
Both superstar captains came center stage with their notes, James taking out a piece of paper from his pocket, while Antetokounmpo carried around a writing pad with him, which he showed off to the Salt Lake City crowd.
Portland Trail Blazers’ experienced point guard Damian Lillard was the first player to be selected among all reserve players by Team Giannis. James choose to go with youth, selecting Timberwolves and sophomore guard Anthony Edwards.
Many expected ‘The King’ to choose Celtics and two-time All-Star guard Jaylen Brown, who was eventually selected by the 38-year-old Lakers star as his second pick.
Antetokounmpo named Bucks guard Jrue Holiday as his second overall pick from the All-Star Game’s reserve players. James scolded the 28-year-old for not showing more loyalty to his club teammate.
The Clippers’ Paul George, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, New York’s Julius Randle, the Kings’ DeAaron Fox and Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. were also picked by Team James.
On the other hand, Team Antetokounmpo drafted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, of the Thunder, Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan, Toronto’s Pascal Siakam, the Heat’s Bam Adebayo, and Damontas Sabonis, of the Kings, as its reserves.
Star guard Luka Doncic joined Irving – his teammate on the Dallas Mavericks – as part of Team LeBron’s starters while Antetokounmpo opted to select Donovan Mitchell, of the Cavaliers.
James got a small chuckle from the crowd by referring to Doncic as ‘Hookah Doncic.’
Among other starters to be drafted by Team LeBron was Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic, 23
MVP front runner Nikola Jokic was among the last of starters to be drafted on his 28th birthday
First-time All-Star Domantis Sabonis, of the Sacramento Kings, was among this year’s reserves
Both teams’ last picks were Nuggets center Nikola Jokic for Team LeBron and Lauri Markannen, of the Jazz, for Team Giannis.
Jokic’s late selection raised a few eyebrows as the Serbian is expected to be in the running for this year’s MVP award.
He’s averaging 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 10.1 assists this season. The 28-year-old is also the first NBA player to ever play an All-Star game on his birthday.
One player missing out on this year’s All-Star game from Utah is Kevin Durant due to due an MCL sprain in his right knee.
