NBA 2018-19: Who could be the All-Star game Captain(s)

Last year was the first time the NBA All-Star game really measured up to its full potential. They have high stakes, a high-speed game, and defense-free exhibition. The high rewards for the winning team, hand-picked rosters and the awaited voting for the captain has made the event bigger than ever. There is more to win and even more to lose.

Now there have been lots of predictions made for who will start, who will be MVP and how both conferences will match up. Each of these predictions banks on how the roster will look as there is nothing better than seeing all these exception players on one platform.

However, there is also an angle of possible disappointment that may come up if any of the established all-stars doesn't match up to their already established potential. Additionally, there is also the hopes of new and upcoming players to add to the roster and the fear of injury for those already there.

This list will be looking at captains in terms of the east and west through the new rules specify that the players are to be mixed. This is just a way to showcase the differences of talent on both sides. We'll start with the Western Conference and then move to the East and back.

#1 Lebron James

This one is really obvious. Until last year, LeBron was the king of the Eastern Conference and now he has mad his move to hold the same spot in the West.

Further, now with the Lakers' fans on his side as well there is no doubt that he will crush the 2.6 million fan votes he got last year. Barring the possibility of injury, there is no possible way that James is not in the top few for the captain.

He has the critics and fans on his side even if he doesn't perform will know because they know that he is saving up for the games that really matter.

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo

The stories of Giannis Antetokounmpo are nothing less than those of a Greek legend staying true to his homeland. This player has become a permanent resident of Milwaukee to a point where each and every resident of the city has a story about him.

His hundred million dollar contract has nothing to do with his cracked phone screen or the fact that his parents wanted to hold a yard sale. That number only comes into context when he steps onto the court and his skills shine through.

Now the 2019 game may only be Giannis' third one, but he is also only 24. He has definitely proven that he is worthy of being an all-star for a very long time and this young talent is exactly what will draw in votes. Further, at 6'11" he is a very versatile player. He can play like a point guard, small forward, power forward or center depending on what is required of him.

Overall it will be great to see him as captain as he is still in the process of discovering who he is on the court and will have some creative plays lined up for his team as well.

#3 Joel Embiid

For starters, it would be quite a show seeing a Joel Embiid and LeBron James faceoff. Starting from the playground style of choosing teams till the actual game this face-off will keep the adrenaline high.

Over the last season, Embiid ranked third in points per play and that is a really big deal considering how much his turnover rate was. If he stopped dropping the rock just as often it would make him an ideal player and captain.

At the end of the day, an easy way to think about Embiid is a person who is an amazing player who has some correctable flaws. He may have started late and is inexperienced but putting him as a leader on a large platform with so many stars may make him a better player, faster. He was second in the voting tallies last year, so there is no stopping him from being the top seed this year, especially with LeBron on the other side.

#4 Kawhi Leonard

Some say its convenient for Kawhi Leonard that LeBron James has left the East open in the game for All-Star captaincy, but that is not completely true. Leonard is one of the healthiest and most committed players to the Raptors.

Now assuming that this health holds up, Leonard, a two-time all-star, has all the cards in his favor for being the captain. In comparison to last season, where he only played towards the end he still finished only sixth in fan voting, he has played consistently this season and has kept his numbers out.

Further, he has a lot more to prove than the other typical stars. he needs to show that his resume holds much more than just being a finals MVP and that he is the premier perimeter defender of the NBA.

#5 Stephen Curry

Steph Curry in a pre-game practice session

Recently bathed in controversy about the legitimacy of the moon landing, how could we leave former All-Star captain, Steph Curry. Now, this season Curry has made his way in and out of the limelight. He has not only had some phenomenal ones but has also been victim to an unfortunate car crash and same injuries that have pulled him down from his full potential.

There is no reason that any player in the draft would not want to be a part of this team. Not only did it show finess starting from the time of the draft onwards, but also Curry is quite level-headed as a player. He understands the fine tuning the game requires and has the acumen to make it happen.

Last season since the match was Team Stephen V.S. Team James, this season it will be a fight to which one of these powerhouses draws in more votes and persuades the fans and the entirety of the NBA community to move their way.

On another note, there also is a possibility that none of the same people will be allowed to become captain. How would you feel about this twist in the tale? Let us know in the comments down below.