Why Russell Westbrook deserves to start in 2017 NBA All-Star Game
First Vote, Backcourt Leaders:
Eastern Conference:
While Kyrie Irving can make a case for himself, he is playing alongside LeBron James, Kevin Love and a loaded Cleveland team. Of Irving’s competition there are players having equal or better seasons and arguably ones who should start ahead of Irving. Isaiah Thomas, John Wall and Kemba Walker all have relevant arguments.
Yet, Toronto Raptors guards DeMar DeRozan and especially Kyle Lowry have the strongest case to don the starting shirt. Lowry specifically, has been hit hard via fans misspelling his name and finds himself ranked 6th.
Must Read: NBA Rookie Report, Top Performers through January 2017
Looking at the top 6 Eastern Conference guard vote recipients it seems Kyrie Irving is likely a lock for one of the two starting spots. Presumably the media and players (who make up 50% of the weighted voting will maintain Irving in his current position). Of the other top 5 vote recipient guards