By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant was selected by James with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA All-Star Draft. Golden State’s Stephen Curry was drafted by Antetokounmpo with the No. 2 overall pick.
James also selected Boston’s Kyrie Irving, Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard and Houston’s James Harden, respectively, from among the starters.
Antetokounmpo selected Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Oklahoma City’s Paul George and Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, respectively, among the pool of starters.
James took all of the players who could be free agents next season – Durant, Irving, Klay Thompson and Leonard – as well as a potential 2020 free agent in Anthony Davis, which led to a funny exchange between the two, as Antetokounmpo suggested during the draft that James was tampering after he selected Davis.
“Tampering rules don’t apply on the All-Star weekend”, LeBron said on live television.
James selected Davis with his first pick in the second round. He also drafted Thompson, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Washington’s Bradley Beal.
Antetokounmpo selected teammate Khris Middleton in the second round. He also drafted Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, Detroit’s Blake Griffin, Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell, Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic and Toronto’s Kyle Lowry.
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade were named by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as special team roster additions for the All-Star Game. Wade and Nowitzki were drafted in the third and final round.
The 68th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.