Current Projected All-Stars
BC | BC | FC | FC | FC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tyrese Maxey | Tyrese Haliburton | Jayson Tatum | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Joel Embiid |
Damian Lillard | Donovan Mitchell | Mikal Bridges | Franz Wagner | Bam Adebayo |
Jalen Brunson | Trae Young | Paolo Banchero |
Accuse me of being a homer (I think that is warranted). But I would give two All-Star spots to the Orlando Magic right now. Both Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have had deserving seasons at the moment. And there is no reason to ignore that or not honor it.
Having said that though, there is still a long way to go before the coaches make their decision.
Jimmy Butler, Jaylen Brown and Dejounte Murray have all been All-Stars before and have been known commodities in the league. The coaches may also want to reward the Boston Celtics for their strong season with multiple All-Stars too.
But what this exercise should make clear, even if you quibble with the rankings and the ultimate roster we are putting together (for now), is that both Banchero and Wagner are in the conversation to make the All-Star team.
This should not be considered some fans overreaction to the team's win streak. If Orlando remains in postseason contention and Wagner and Banchero continue to play this well, both of those players should be representing the team in Indianapolis.
At least one seems set to do so.
Everything is breaking right not only for this to happen. The Magic are earning those appearances and this recognition on the court. All the team has to do is to keep putting in the work to get there.