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Team LeBron - LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Devin Booker, Ben Simmons, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Domantas Sabonis
Team Giannis - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker, Trae Young, Khris Middleton, Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Brandon Ingram, Donovan Mitchell
The 2019-20 regular season was marred by injuries to several NBA superstars, opening up opportunities for those next in line. With megastars like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and others missing considerable time, the league's young core stepped up to fill the gaping void.
This year's All-Star lineup from both the Conferences houses many firsts, and it would be interesting to see how the marquee matchup plays out on Sunday in Chicago. In this piece, we skim through five players who could spring a surprise during the All-Star game.
#1 Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum showcased immense potential when squaring off against the bigwigs in the postseason during his very first year in the league. After successfully overcoming a sophomore slump, the 21-year-old has been named an All-Star in his third year playing for the Boston Celtics.
Averaging a career-high 22.4 points per game this year, Tatum does not shy away from the bright lights and carries the killer instinct of a destined winner. With the new-look Celtics led by Kemba Walker, it can be safely said that Tatum has officially arrived as a superstar on the NBA landscape.
He has a quick first step, possesses dribble finesse, houses explosive athleticism and has a high IQ for the game. But most importantly, he has come through unscathed despite genuine playoff pressure early on in his career.
#2 Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo was picked 14th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2017 draft. He has been a powerhouse for the surging Miami Heat this year.
Across the 54 games played so far, the 22-year-old power forward is averaging career-best numbers in 15.8 points and 10.8 boards, while shooting 58% from the field. With 1.2 steals and 1.2 swats per game, he has also become one of the fiercest defenders across the league.
When Pat Riley compares a player to Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning, that player has got to be special. And that's precisely what Adebayo is.
He is one of only three players from the 2017 NBA draft class to have made it to the All-Star game thus far - the others being Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell.
#3 Brandon Ingram
Ever since his trade out of Los Angeles, a redemption run was always on the cards. But the way Brandon Ingram's stardom has unfolded as a New Orleans Pelicans guard is truly mesmerizing.
The 22-year-old is averaging career-high all-round numbers in 24.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, while impressively shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Despite No. 1 pick Zion Williamson being the main draw at NOLA, Ingram has carved out a special space for himself through his effortless mid-range bombs and high basketball IQ.
His breakout year has rejuvenated the hopes of many who had initially compared the Duke product to Kevin Durant. After three turbulent years with the Lakers, Ingram has now settled well into the role of a volume scorer down in New Orleans.
#4 Devin Booker
The shortcomings of the lowly Phoenix Suns franchise have often overshadowed the elite skills of Devin Booker. The 23-year-old was almost snubbed from the All-Star game this year as well, until Damian Lillard went down with a groin injury.
Adam Silver decided to name Booker as his replacement, giving the Suns' shooting guard his much-anticipated - and thoroughly well-deserved - first All-Star appearance.
Booker's scoring rate of 26.4 points per game is among the top 10 in the league, and nearly matches his scoring average from last season. Over the years, Booker has been working diligently and patiently to put his team on the map.
His unquestionable loyalty to the Suns franchise, when coupled with his All-Star caliber, makes for a potential Hall of Fame career.
#5 Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis is as professional as they come. The 23-year-old Lithuanian has been posting solid double-double averages like 18.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game this year - good enough to land him in his first ever All-Star game this year. He has also recorded the first few triple-doubles of his career this season.
Sabonis has been hands down the most effective Pacers' big in a fairly long time. Moreover, he is the first Pacers front-court player (since Roy Hibbert in the 2013-14 season) to have made it to the All-Star clash.
Sabonis has held the ground for his team in Victor Oladipo's extended absence, and it was about time he was rewarded for his services.
Guess the Lakers players!
