The NBA All-star weekend is starting on Feb. 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It will be the NBA 66th All-Star weekend that features 12 favorite players fans select from the Eastern and Western Conferences.
The NBA, on Jan. 19, 2017 announced five starters for each conference. For the Eastern Conference, fans selected Kyrie Irving (G), DeMar DeRozan (GF), LeBron James (F), Giannis Antetokounmpo (F), and Jimmy Butler (GF). And, for the Western conference, the fans’ favorite are Stephen Curry (G), James Harden (SG), Kevin Durant (SF), Anthony Davis (PF), and Kawhi Leonard (F).
Fans’ reaction on social media, after the announcement, suggest that many are not happy because Russell Westbrook will not be a part of the All-Star weekend this year. Some were upset because they believed Russell Westbrook, who is the current leader in scoring and second in assists per game, did not make it in one of the five spots. Another player fans were upset over because he did not make the starting five for his conference is Isiah Thomas. Thomas is second in points per game.
However, the two stars still have a chance of making the All-Star roster. Recently, the NBA announced the reserves for the All-Star game with players hand picked by NBA head coaches all over the leagued. For the Western conference, the reserves are Marc Gasol (C), Draymond Green (F), Russel Westbrook (G), Gordon Hayward (GF), DeAndre Jordan (C), DeMarcus Cousins (C), and Klay Thompson (G). For the Eastern Conference, the coaches selected Paul George (GF), Kemba Walker (G), Paul Milsap (FC), Kevin Love (FC), Isiah Thomas (PG), Kyle Lowry (PG), and John Wall (PG).