Predicting 2014's NBA All-Star Team

With the NBA All-Star starters having been recently announced and the big game itself right around the corner, speculation abounds over who will be selected to fill out the remaining All-Star spots.

So, as we wait anxiously to learn who will represent the two conferences for this season’s All-Star weekend in Houston, why not look ahead to predict who will represent the NBA’s elite class a year from now?  

These predictions were made based upon current NBA rosters. There’s no way to predict where stars like Dwight Howard or Josh Smith will wind up next season, so, for the sake of consistency, it makes more sense to base projections off of the current make-up of the league.

All stats accurate as of January 23, 2013.

Eastern Conference Starting Guard: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

2012-13 Stats: N/A (has not played)

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 25

Derrick Rose will be unable to participate in this year’s All-Star game due to his lengthy rehabilitation of a torn ACL. However, expect to see Rose back as an All-Star starter as soon as next season.

Even if Rose takes a while to get back into the NBA groove, he will benefit from both his enormous popularity and from the success of the Bulls. He shouldn’t have much trouble returning to the league’s elite class of players.

Eastern Conference Starting Guard: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

2012-13 Stats: 23.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists in 35.7 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 21

Kyrie Irving has looked like a likely All-Star candidate all season long, and his recent 40-point outburst against the Boston Celtics should all but seal the deal for this former Rookie of the Year.

It won’t be an easy task to wrestle the second starting spot from the incumbent Dwyane Wade, but Irving’s rapid improvement and ever-growing popularity should allow his first All-Star start to coincide with his rise to superstardom.

Eastern Conference Starting Frontcourt Player: LeBron James, Miami Heat

2012-13 Stats: 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.0 assists in 38.4 minutes per game.

Position: Small Forward

Age (in 2014): 29

It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict with near certainty that LeBron James will once again be starting in the All-Star Game next season.

He’s the most complete player in basketball; what more needs to be said?

Eastern Conference Starting Frontcourt Player: Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

2012-13 Stats: 29.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 37.5 minutes per game.

Position: Small Forward

Age (in 2014): 29

Carmelo Anthony is experiencing a career year as the now-undisputed leader of the unusually competitive New York Knicks. Anthony currently ranks third in the league in scoring, and his much-improved defense and leadership this season have allowed the Knicks to morph into a legitimate contender.

Anthony seems to have finally realized how to most efficiently play to his strengths, and he’s undoubtedly the second best forward in the East, trailing only LeBron James.   

Eastern Conference Starting Frontcourt Player: Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia 76ers

2012-13 Stats: N/A (has not played)

Position: Center

Age (in 2014): 26

Though always a major wild card due to his questionable durability, Andrew Bynum is an absolute force in the paint when he’s actually able to make it onto the court.

After making his first All-Star start last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bynum has yet to appear for the Philadelphia 76ers this season due to a variety of injuries. Still, he can’t sit out forever (right?), and when healthy, he’s the clear-cut top big man in the East.

Eastern Conference Backcourt Reserve: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

2012-13 Stats: 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 11.1 assists in 37.2 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 27

With Derrick Rose out and Deron Williams struggling, Rajon Rondo will make his first All-Star start this February alongside teammate Kevin Garnett.

This is a well-deserved honor for Rondo, who has enjoyed a career season despite Boston’s recent struggles. The NBA’s current master of triple-doubles, Rondo has greatly improved his mid-range jumper this season and has seen a bump in both his field goal percentage and free-throw shooting compared to last season.

Rondo may not make the starting lineup again for a while, but he’s a safe bet to return to the All-Star Game in 2014.  

Eastern Conference Backcourt Reserve: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

2012-13 Stats: 20.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists in 33.2 minutes per game.

Position: Shooting Guard

Age (in 2014): 32

Dwyane Wade’s scoring numbers have declined over the past two seasons; this is due more to the Heat’s overall improvement than to any major drop off in Wade’s ability.

Wade, who recently celebrated his 31st birthday, is still a top-two shooting guard in the world, and he should be applauded for his willingness to occasionally take a backseat to LeBron James. Wade is a terror on both ends of the court, and despite what some critics may say, he should continue to be an elite player in the league deep into his 30s due to his smarts and outstanding chemistry with the world’s best player.  

Eastern Conference Frontcourt Reserve: Paul George, Indiana Pacers

2012-13 Stats: 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 36.8 minutes per game.

Position: Small Forward

Age (in 2014): 23

Paul George has emerged as a legitimate first option for the Indiana Pacers this year while stepping in for the injured Danny Granger. After a shaky start, George averaged 18.8 points per game during the month of December, and has increased that number to 19.3 through the first 10 games of January.

While George has been plenty impressive in the scoring department, he has also shown elite production as a rebounder, defender and facilitator, and this versatility should allow him to make many All-Star teams down the road, hopefully starting this season.

Eastern Conference Frontcourt Reserve: Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

2012-13 Stats: 17.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 blocks in 33.4 minutes per game.

Position: Power Forward/Center

Age (in 2014): 29

Consistently underappreciated as the Miami Heat’s third-leading scorer, Chris Bosh can never seem to shake off the critics, who label him as soft, weak and inconsistent.

But while Bosh’s rebounding numbers are perhaps not what they should be, he remains one of the league’s most dangerous big men on both sides of the court.

Next season, Bosh should continue to take advantage of mismatches against the league’s slower centers, and as long as he can maintain his current efficiency, it’s hard to imagine him being left off the All-Star team.

Eastern Conference Frontcourt Reserve: Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets

2012-13 Stats: 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks in 29.5 minutes per game.

Position: Center

Age (in 2014): 25

Brook Lopez has established himself as Brooklyn’s MVP early this season. After an injury plagued 2011-12 campaign during which he averaged just 3.6 rebounds while appearing in only five games, Lopez has reclaimed his place as one of the league’s top centers this season.

Lopez should develop into a consistent presence in All-Star games in coming years, thanks to his talent level and the East’s shortage of elite big men.

Eastern Conference Wild Card: Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers

2012-13 Stats: 19.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 9.0 assists in 38.1 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 23

Jrue Holiday should be a major candidate for the Most Improved Player award this season, as he has improved as both a scorer and a facilitator while continuing to play stifling defense. The fourth year guard deserves a selection this season, but in the event that he is snubbed, his chances should improve greatly for 2014.

The Philadelphia 76ers will have to improve their record next season to have any hope of landing two players in the All-Star Game, but if Bynum returns, that shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Eastern Conference Wild Card: Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets

2012-13 Stats: 16.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists in 36.6 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 29

Deron Williams has struggled immensely during the Brooklyn Nets’ inaugural season, to the point that his All-Star spot is far from secure this season.

Despite his shooting struggles in 2012-13, though, Williams will still be just 29 years old during the 2014 season and is sure to bounce back once he establishes greater comfort in a relatively new system.

Though he’s far from a guarantee, Williams should have a good shot to return to the All-Star Game in 2014.

Western Conference Starting Guard: Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers

2012-13 Stats: 16.6 points, 9.7 assists, 2.6 steals in 33.5 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 28

The best point guard in the NBA, Chris Paul is unmatched as a floor general, and his elite court awareness is matched only by his unfaltering confidence.

Though Paul cannot compete with Russell Westbrook’s athleticism and explosive scoring ability, his smooth execution and complete control over the game should allow him to stay in the All-Star starting lineup for at least a few more seasons.  

Western Conference Starting Guard: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers

2012-13 Stats: 29.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 38.9 minutes per game.

Position: Shooting Guard

Age (in 2014): 35

The Black Mamba refuses to bow to age and just keeps on pumping in baskets here in his 17th NBA season.

Though James Harden is undoubtedly a star on the rise, Kobe Bryant’s enormous popularity will likely keep him in the starting lineup until retirement. Regardless of the Los Angeles Lakers’ team success, Kobe never seems to falter, and his thirst for a sixth ring should continue to fuel him next season.

Western Conference Starting Frontcourt Player: Kevin Durant, OKC Thunder

2012-13 Stats: 29.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 39.7 minutes per game.

Position: Small Forward

Age (in 2014): 25

Kevin Durant dropped 52 on the Dallas Mavericks this week, providing extra evidence to anyone who needed it that he’s the best scorer in basketball.

Durant has taken major strides toward becoming a more complete player this season, and his elite talent and likability should make him the NBA’s favorite poster boy for years to come.

Western Conference Starting Frontcourt Player: Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers

2012-13 Stats: 18.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 32.3 minutes per game.

Position: Power Forward

Age (in 2014): 24

Blake Griffin’s numbers have dipped each of his first three seasons in the league, but don’t let that fool you. The high-flying big man is as dangerous as ever, and has been a highly efficient force this season as the Los Angeles Clippers’ leading scorer.

Griffin may not be the best power forward in basketball, but he’s certainly the most popular, and his frequent forays to the highlight factory should keep fans excited enough to once again vote him as an All-Star starter next season.

Western Conference Starting Frontcourt Player: Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers

2012-13 Stats: 17.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks in 35.5 minutes per game.

Position: Center

Age (in 2014): 28

Even while stumbling through one of the worst seasons of his career, Dwight Howard is still popular enough to earn an All-Star start in Houston.

Granted, a bad season for Howard is an amazing season for just about any other center, but the former Orlando star has been slowed by bothersome injuries in the shoulder region and hasn’t always looked like himself.

Regardless, Howard is still the most dominant center in basketball, and his spot in the All-Star starting lineup should be safe for a good while.

Western Conference Backcourt Reserve: Russell Westbrook, OKC Thunder

2012-13 Stats: 23.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists in 36.5 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 25

Step aside, LeBron James. Russell Westbrook has arrived to claim the title of the NBA’s best athlete.

With blinding speed and unmatched explosiveness, Westbrook is able to maximize his incredible talent to create a scoring machine capable of dishing out some assists as well.

Westbrook should make an All-Star start eventually, but with Chris Paul around, next season might be too soon. Still, he’s a lock as a reserve.

Western Conference Backcourt Reserve: James Harden, Houston Rockets

2012-13 Stats: 25.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 38.5 minutes per game.

Position: Shooting Guard

Age (in 2014): 24

James Harden’s emergence has been a top storyline in the NBA this season, as the bearded pick-and-roll maestro has gone from top bench player to elite starter in just a few months.

Harden is a safe bet to make the All-Star squad this season, as he currently sits fifth on the NBA’s scoring chart and has somehow managed to make the Houston Rockets into a competitive team.

Harden looks like the next big thing at the shooting guard position, and his elite shooting and unmatched ability to initiate contact should keep him scoring in the 20s for many years to come. Expect to see this man in All-Star games for at least the next decade.

Western Conference Frontcourt Reserve: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets

2012-13 Stats: 13.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game.

Position: Power Forward

Age (in 2014): 20

The first pick of the 2013 NBA draft has enjoyed a solid, if not spectacular, start to his career with the New Orleans Hornets. Anthony Davis is still just 19 years old, and he has yet to morph into an assertive force on the offensive end. However, it’s safe to assume he’ll take a major step forward next season with a year of experience under his belt.

Davis has been extremely efficient this season, and his stellar 21.33 PER, as a rookie, hints at big things to come. Expect Davis and his unibrow to become a fixture of All-Star weekend for the remainder of his career.

Western Conference Frontcourt Reserve: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

2012-13 Stats: 18.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists in 34.3 minutes per game.

Position: Power Forward

Age (in 2014): 25

Kevin Love has had a frustrating 2012-13 campaign, to say the least. Love missed a great chunk of the season with a broken hand, struggled with inconsistency upon his return, and then re-fractured the same hand after just 18 games.

Outside of this season, Love hasn’t looked terribly injury prone throughout his career, and he’s the league’s top power forward when fully functioning. As long as Love keeps draining threes and crashing the boards with a vengeance, he should be an easy pick as an All-Star, wherever he plays.

Western Conference Frontcourt Reserve: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

2012-13 Stats: 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game.

Position: Center

Age (in 2014): 37

There’s a reason Tim Duncan is nicknamed ‘The Big Fundamental.’ His game is built almost entirely on skills and smarts, which has allowed him to continue to play at an elite level deep into his 30s.

Duncan was snubbed as an All-Star starter this season despite a significant resurgence in his scoring numbers, but he should make the team as a reserve. The former MVP hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet, and there’s little reason to start doubting him any time soon.

Western Conference Wild Card: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

2012-13 Stats: 20.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists in 38.1 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 25

Stephen Curry continues to show off his beautiful stroke in his fourth NBA season, and his phenomenal play has been a key factor in making the Golden State Warriors competitive again.

Curry has surfaced as a top-10 point guard in the league this season, and it would be a shame if he were to be snubbed from the All-Star Game in Houston. However, Curry should wind up on the All-Star roster sooner or later, and it’s tough to imagine him being snubbed twice in a row.

Western Conference Wild Card: Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

2012-13 Stats: 19.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists in 32.7 minutes per game.

Position: Point Guard

Age (in 2014): 31

Tony Parker is quietly having another dominant season in 2012-13, leading the San Antonio Spurs in both scoring and assists, and doing it with incredible efficiency. Though often overshadowed by other Western floor generals, Parker remains a top five-point guard in the NBA based on both production and team success.

Though now in his 30s, Parker should continue to produce at a high level for several more seasons, due to his stellar mid-range game and high basketball I.Q.