Giannis Antetokounmpo has received the nod from renowned star, LeBron James for a spot in this year’s National Basketball Association (NBA) All Stars’ Game this weekend.
This means Antetokounmpo will again rank among the leading icons for this season’s NBA All Stars Game, after the Nigerian-born Greece international got the first selection vote from LeBron, who had the first overall pick due to receiving the most votes – roughly 5.9 million.
LeBron subsequently selected Antetokounmpo, who is a two-time and reigning NBA most valuable player, while Kevin Durant (with 5.6 million votes), who is injured and will not play in the game, snatched up Brooklyn Nets’ team-mate, Kyrie Irving with his first choice.
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert of the current season leading Utah Jazz were the last two players selected in the draft for this season’s game of glamour and prestige, with the sections coming on a night their availability led to a hilarious sequence near the end of the broadcast by TNT.
The actual draft was conducted on Wednesday with the two captains making their choices, as James picked for Team LeBron and his opposing colleague selected for Team Durant to fill the rosters for the 70th All-Star Game, which will hold this Sunday in Atlanta.
James selected Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic to start alongside himself and Antetokounmpo, who was extremely confident once he learned who his team-mates were.
TEAM LeBRON – Starters: LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets).
Reserves: Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers), Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Paul George (Los Angeles Clippers), Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers), Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz).
TEAM DURANT – Starters: Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
Reserves: James Harden (Brooklyn Nets), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Julius Randle (New York Knicks), Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz).