Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant were near-unanimous selections for the starting frontcourt spots in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
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Who are your Western Conference All-Star starters?
Rear area
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Front area
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nugget
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Fans might say otherwise — which would be fine — but Stephen Curry’s total of nine All-Star starts should end this season. Because of his position depth in the West, and Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic in particular. Both are Kia MVP candidatesessential to their team’s ambitions – and immense pleasure to watch too.
Somehow, Jokic leads the league in defensive rebounds, is the only non-guard in the top six in assists and has 11 triple-doubles, among his many eclectic credits. Durant at 35 scores more and shoots much better than his career figures, which had already been good for 13 All-Star appearances. Then there’s LeBron at 39… (His teammate Anthony Davis should also be on this team, but not starting ahead of those three.) – Steve Aschburner
Rear area
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Front area
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
An All-NBA first teamer last season, Gilgeous-Alexander improved (career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and FG percentage). Doncic is second in score and third in career-best assists. Jokic leads in triple-doubles and is the only player ranked in the top 15 in points, rebounds and assists.
Not only will James become the first-ever 20-time All-Star, but he will have done so in 20 consecutive years, all as a starter, adding another victory in his epic battle against Father Time. When it comes to Durant, the team may change, the teammates may change, but the buckets never stop. He is fifth in the scoring rankings and #1 in 3-point percentage (a career high of 47.7%). Most difficult omission: Anthony Edwards will give a starter to the Wolves, leaders of the West. — Brian Martin
Rear area
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Front area
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Unlike the East, power in the West lies in the rear zone. Just look at those who missed the cut here: De’Aaron Fox, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards. But these are the breaks as Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander are MVP worthy. Meanwhile: Davis and Durant vs. LeBron James? Is this any way to treat an elderly person? A close call, for sure. At least LeBron got the In-season tournament MVP. It is good. — Shaun Powell
Rear area
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Front area
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic were penned in without much thought, and there’s no denying Doncic’s numbers and value to his team. These three guys have winning teams built entirely around them.
Durant is one of three guys with an average of 28, 6 and 6, and he does it with an efficient score. Leonard’s offensive numbers aren’t at that level, but he’s been just as effective and the fourth-place Clippers have been 17.2 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor than they have been with him off the floor. Anthony Davis, Paul George, LeBron James and Rudy Gobert will all get another look when it’s time to submit the actual ballot. — John Schumann
Rear area
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Front area
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
The guard picks should be a no-brainer, as Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander play at a higher level than the rest of the West’s guards. Doncic carried Dallas despite Kyrie Irving’s 13-game absence, while Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC near the top of the West. These should be unanimous selections. Jokic, a two-time MVP and reigning champion, also falls into this category.
The points on the wings are where it gets trickier. But count on James, at 39, to seize the record for All-Star selections alone (20). Durant won’t be denied either, considering he’s having one of his best shooting seasons and could finish with another 50-40-90 campaign. — Michael C. Wright
