This year’s NBA All Star game will be Jaylen Brown’s 5th. Jayson Tatum has been in 6 himself. Newcomer Nikola Vucevic appeared in two.
If they are back at normal health next season, I would expect to see Brown and Tatum back in the game. But will there be a 3rd member of the team to join them? And if so, who might that be?
The obvious choice would be Derrick White, who has been knocking on the door of the honor for a few years running. He’s clearly deeply valuable to this team, but too often his best attributes are subtle and don’t get the attention that they deserve. His shooting touch was a bit off early this season, so that probably doomed his chances. Perhaps a hot shooting winter next season could earn him a spot.
Next up is Payton Pritchard, who has thrived now as both a starter and reserve for the Celtics. He scores at multiple levels despite his comparatively diminutive size. He takes care of the ball and has a knack for getting buckets when the team most needs it (in particular at the buzzer in dramatic fashion).
Or could someone else leapfrog both of them? Neemias Queta perhaps? Sam Hauser? Perhaps one of the young wings takes a major step forward. What about Hugo Gonzalez? I know these are all long, long shots, but you never know. Ok, any of those guys sniffing the All Star game next season is a bit of a reach next season, but what about in a few years?
So what do you think? Who’s at the All Star game next season?
