NBA All-Star Draft: Giannis picks Dame 1st, LeBron opts for fresh faces
Team LeBron and Team Giannis made their NBA All-Star Draft selections on Sunday ahead of the annual showcase, setting the stage for an exciting affair in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Giannis Antetokounmpo drafted guard Damian Lillard first, opting to pick teammate Jrue Holiday with his following selection.
LeBron James drafted four first-time All-Stars, including wing Anthony Edwards with his first pick.
Unlike previous All-Star Drafts, this year's installment took place the day of the event and started with the two captains making their selections from the pool of reserve players.
Team Giannis reserves
| Pick No. | Player | All-Star Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damian Lillard (POR) | 7th |
| 3 | Jrue Holiday (MIL) | 2nd |
| 5 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | 1st |
| 7 | DeMar DeRozan (CHI) | 6th |
| 9 | Pascal Siakam (TOR) | 2nd |
| 11 | Bam Adebayo (MIA) | 2nd |
| 13 | Domantas Sabonis (SAC) | 3rd |
Team LeBron reserves
| Pick No. | Player | All-Star Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Anthony Edwards (MIN) | 1st |
| 4 | Jaylen Brown (BOS) | 2nd |
| 6 | Paul George (LAC) | 8th |
| 8 | Tyrese Haliburton (IND) | 1st |
| 10 | Julius Randle (NYK) | 2nd |
| 12 | De’Aaron Fox (SAC) | 1st |
| 14 | Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) | 1st |
The five starters for each team were then picked, with Ja Morant, Lauri Markannen, and Joel Embiid taking the place of the injured Steph Curry, Zion Williamson, and Kevin Durant.
Team LeBron starters
| Pick No. | Player | All-Star Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel Embiid (PHI) | 6th |
| 3 | Kyrie Irving (DAL) | 8th |
| 5 | Luka Doncic (DAL) | 4th |
| 7 | Nikola Jokic (DEN) | 5th |
Team Giannis starters
| Pick No. | Player | All-Star Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jayson Tatum (BOS) | 4th |
| 4 | Ja Morant (MEM) | 2nd |
| 6 | Donovan Mitchell (CLE) | 4th |
| 8 | Lauri Markkanen (UTA) | 1st |
James has been named a captain six times, with his selected teams going undefeated.
HEADLINES
- T-Wolves reach 1st West final in 20 years with comeback win vs. Nuggets
- Pacers eliminate Knicks in Game 7, will face Celtics in ECF
- Report: NBA execs may use 1st-rounder on Bronny to lure LeBron in free agency
- NBA finalizes conference finals schedule
- Nuggets' Murray will represent Canada at 2024 Olympics