NBA All-Star Game 2015 Starters with Best Chance to Win MVP
The NBA All-Star Game starters have been determined, but there's at least one change that will take place. Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant was picked by the fans to start, but a torn rotator cuff will sideline him.
The most popular replacement for Bryant would be the Houston Rockets' James Harden. After all, had the fans gotten it right, Harden would have been elected the starter in the first place. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr will be the man to select the Black Mamba's replacement.
Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Kerr talked about how tough the decision would be: “James Harden’s been probably one of the best players in the league. He and Klay Thompson, I think, are the two best shooting guards in the West."
Bleacher Report's Kelly Scaletta certainly believes Harden deserves to start:
Harden isn't just a leading candidate to replace Bryant, he's also not a bad choice to win the game's MVP award.
For the most part, the All-Star Game is an offensive showcase with little to no defense—especially in the first three quarters. That's the perfect environment for Harden.
Few, if any, have the offensive tool chest the bearded one has at his disposal. He's leading the league in scoring with 27.3 points per game. In his two previous All-Star appearances, Harden has averaged just 11.5 points per game.
His modest scoring numbers are from a lack of effort. He's averaged seven three-point attempts over the two contests.
Without question, Harden is going to bring his shooting shoes for the exhibition at Madison Square Garden.
Speaking of MSG, the man who figures to be the lone representative from the home team can't be ignored. Carmelo Anthony is slated to start for the Eastern Conference, and amid a disappointing season, Melo could push to come away with the game's top individual honor on his home court.
In seven All-Star appearances, Melo is averaging 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. He is a proud New Yorker who made a statement by choosing to stay in the Big Apple this offseason despite being wooed by the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers.
He could make a statement by being the shiniest star of all.
Quite obviously, the Cleveland Cavaliers' star LeBron James is always a candidate to stand out most among the NBA's elite. James has already won the All-Star Game MVP twice in his career. He's never scored less than 13 points in any of his 10 appearances.
If you're looking for someone to bet on, there's clearly a case to be made for any of these three superstars.
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