NBA All-Star Game 2020: Predicting the Western Conference starting 5
The NBA has, for over two decades now, been top-loaded with talent from its Western Conference. Every season, at least one guard or one big man capable of making the Eastern roster is snubbed due to the exuberance of talent and capability that the elite players of the Conference bring to the table.
This season should be no different from many previous ones, although it is a sure thing now that the game will be held by Giannis' XI against the most-voted Western Conference Player.
While that decision will be held behind closed doors, away from the media attention, the results of that poll are tertiary to the aims of this article. Here is a case for the best-possible starting five lineup from the Western Conference based on performance this season, availability to the team at crucial junctures, clutch play and polish of a player's overall skill set.
#1 LeBron James
LeBron James' case for this season's All-Star Game is nothing but the obvious truth - he remains the best player of the game on the planet. At 35, James is still taller, better, faster and stronger than his peers and even youngsters who idolized him in their childhood and are now fortunate enough to play in the same league as him.
While his counting stats have dipped a bit from his Cleveland tenures, James now has, for the first time in his career, multiple pick-and-roll threats to play a two-man game with. As a result, within a few hours of free agency opening, GM Rob Pelinka wasted no time in signing the likes of Boogie Cousins and JaVale McGee, making the job of the reigning Western Conference champions (the Warriors) that much more difficult.
Not only has Bron thrown the dice well, but he might also be back in a situation like Miami where he can cool his heels and allow partner Anthony Davis to wreak havoc on the opposition.