![Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an elite level to start the season. - [Image Source: Flickr | Keith Allison]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/12/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/giannis-antetokounmpo-has-been-playing-at-an-elite-level-to-start-the-season-image-source-flickr-keith-allison_1724163.jpg "Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an elite level to start the season. - [Image Source: Flickr | Keith Allison]")
With the NBA All-Star Game a little over two months away, it may be a little early to worry about who should be starting. While true, it’s always nice to see which players are off to great starts and have been stating their case on the court that come February 18, they should be in the starting lineup at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Here are 10 players who have played like All-Star starters with honorable mentions being individuals who would have a good chance of making the team as a reserve.
While the All-Star Game has changed, and two captains will choose their respective teams, there will still be five starters (and seven reserves) chosen from each conference (two backcourt and three frontcourt).
Eastern Conference backcourt
Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
Irving has been the best player on a Celtics team that sports a 22-4 record. Now in his seventh season, the 25-year-old is averaging 23.5 points per game on a career-high 49.0 percent from the field.
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Beal went out and scored 51 points in Tuesday's win (Dec. 5) over the Trail Blazers. Many believed he was snubbed from his first All-Star appearance last season, but it seems unlikely that will happen again. His per game averages of 23.3 points and 4.2 rebounds would be career-bests for the sixth-year guard.
Reserves mix: DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers), John Wall (Wizards), Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets)
Eastern Conference frontcourt
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are currently on a 13-game winning streak, and James has spearheaded the run of victories with some of his best play.
He is averaging 28.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game currently. In his 15th season, James’ 58.7 percent field goal shooting and 43.0 three-point percentage would be career-highs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Antetokounmpo was named Most Improved Player last season, and he has taken another huge step forward to begin this season.
He is currently second in the league averaging 29.6 points per game, 12th averaging 10.6 rebounds, and tied for eighth averaging 1.7 blocks.
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid has stayed relatively healthy this season appearing in 20 of the 76ers’ first 23 games. He is currently 16th in the NBA in scoring average (23.0), seventh in rebounding average (11.3), and fourth in blocks per game (1.8).
Reserves mix: Kristaps Porzingis (New York Knicks), Andre Drummond ( Detroit Pistons), Kevin Love (Cavaliers), Ben Simmons (76ers), Al Horford (Celtics)
Western Conference backcourt
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Harden currently leads the NBA averaging 31.7 points per game. His 9.7 assists per game trail only Russell Westbrook. He is shooting a crazy amount of threes attempting 11 per game but is connecting on a career-high 40.5 percent of them. The Rockets are sitting atop the Western Conference with an 18-4 record.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Whether Curry remains a deserved starter once the All-Star Game arrives is undetermined especially since his sprained ankle will sideline him for at least two weeks.
In 23 games, he has per game averages of 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
Reserves mix: Russell Westbrook (OKC Thunder), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Klay Thompson (Warriors), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
Western Conference frontcourt
Kevin Durant, Warriors
Durant is averaging over 25 points per game for the 10th straight season (25.1) and is shooting over 50 percent from the field (51.9) for the sixth straight season. The 2013-14 MVP and 2017 Finals MVP is also currently averaging a career-high 2.0 blocks per game, which is third in the league.
DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans
It is hard to choose between Cousins and his Pelicans teammate Anthony Davis, but Cousins gets the nod due to playing four more games while Davis has been sitting out recent games with a left adductor strain.
Cousins’ 25.9 scoring average is fifth in the NBA, his 12.6 rebounds are third, and his 1.7 blocks are tied for eighth.
LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
Despite not having Kawhi Leonard at all so far this season, the Spurs’ 17-8 record currently places them third in the West. A large reason for this has been the play of Aldridge. In 24 games, he has per game averages of 22.6 points (on 50.4 percent field goal shooting), 8.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.
Reserves mix: Anthony Davis (Pelicans), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Draymond Green (Warriors), Paul George (Thunder), Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
