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The 2022 NBA All-Star game draws closers, and fans are excited to see who will make the cut. Although many can guess who the captains and starters would be, there is a lot more uncertainty regarding players who will make up the reserves.
It has been a peculiar season, with the COVID-19 protocols keeping players sidelined.
With so many players to choose from, coaches have their work cut out for them in picking the players who will make the All-Star Game reserves. It would be a tough choice, and there could be surprises in this year's event.
Here are the top five players with an outside chance of selection for the 2022 All-Star game.
No. 5: Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards has been a joy to watch this season and could deliver that same dose of fun in the All-Star Game if given the opportunity. The sophomore registered a season-high 48 points against the league's best defensive team – the Golden State Warriors – knocking down a season-high seven 3-pointers.
Edwards is an amazing talent, and the fans also believe he should be considered for the All-Star Game. He is averaging 22.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals through 30 games.
No. 4: Carmelo Anthony
The NBA community has been thrilled with Carmelo Anthony since he joined long-time friend LeBron James in Los Angeles. Although the Lakers (23-24) are struggling, Melo has played his position superbly and is one of the few reliable players on the roster.
Anthony brings a spark off the bench, and the fans love to see him play. The veteran forward is a certified bucket-getter. Although he is not as explosive or technically savvy as he once was, he still knows how to knock down shots. He is the Lakers' best scorer outside of the Big Three, averaging 13.4 ppg and shooting 38.9% from deep on six attempts per game.
No. 3: Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro started the season hot despite coming off the bench and could make a surprise appearance in the 2022 All-Star Game. He redeemed himself after a rather disappointing 2020-21 season and has been responsible for the majority of Miami Heat wins.
The Heat maintained a decent record (12-6) without arguably their best player, thanks to Herro. With the power to decide who makes the reserves in the hands of the coaches, Herro stands a good chance as his brilliance on the hardwood has been clear to see.
Herro is averaging 20.7 points in 38 games and is the second-best scorer on the team behind Jimmy Butler (21.4). It would be fun to see the youngster play in his first All-Star Game.
No. 2: Darius Garland
After losing Collin Sexton to a season-ending knee injury after 11 games, Darius Garland had to take charge, and he has done a great job. The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference standings, a jaw-dropping achievement at this stage of the season considering how they came into the season in rebuilding mode.
An appearance in the 2022 All-Star game for Garland would be huge for the 2019 draft's fifth overall pick. He leads the team in scoring (19.8 points), creating at a ridiculously effective clip (8.1 assists) for Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen.
No. 1: Fred VanVleet
The Toronto Raptors are flying, and Fred VanVleet has been a major catalyst in that regard. He is having arguably the best season of his career and could make his first All-Star appearance.
Not many were sure what would become of the Raptors backcourt after Kyle Lowry left, but VanVleet has stepped up to the challenge. With the bulk of the ball-handling left to VanVleet, the 6-foot-1 guard has flourished in his new role and is leading the team to significant wins.
In 41 games, VanVleet is leading the Raptors in points (21.7) and assists (7.0). An appearance in the 2022 All-Star game will be well deserved. The fans also think so, as he was seventh in the last voting results released by the NBA.
