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Eastern Conference
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo captained the East last season following James' move to LA, and the 24-year-old is once again in pole position to select his own team. Antetokounmpo was named MVP for his performances during the 2018-19 season, and the Bucks star has found another level during the opening weeks of the season, averaging 30.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. The absence of a true second star in Milwaukee also helps his case, and Antetokounmpo has the potential to dominate the captain position over the next decade.
#2 Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid hasn't hit top form during the opening month of the season, although the Philadelphia center is still averaging an impressive 22.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest. Embiid also remains one of the NBA's most exciting performers, and his personality would shine through during the televised All-Star draft.
With Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris struggling for the Sixers, Embiid's status as Philadelphia's main man has been further elevated, and it is worth noting that the Cameroonian was popular enough to be named to the 2018 All-Star despite missing considerable time through load management. If he can put in a number of big performances over the coming weeks, Embiid still has a shot at being named team captain, and Philadelphia's huge fanbase will also help his chances.
#3 Kemba Walker - Boston Celtics
Due to the depth in the West, Kemba Walker would be well out of contention to be named as captain of the All-Star roster. However, the 29-year-old's status has been elevated by his summer move from one struggling Eastern Conference team to a contender in the East. Walker was also named as a starter for the All-Star Game during his final season with the Charlotte Hornets.
His move to a contending Celtics team with one of the NBA's biggest fanbases effectively secures his status as an All-Star for the foreseeable future, and with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown still a few years away from their prime, Walker has a small window to challenge for honors such as being named captain from the East.
