Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities are the digital locks for the 2025 NBA All-Star Sport in San Francisco. The actual intrigue lies in whether or not the Knicks can get a 3rd rep.
Cities, the centerpiece of New York’s blockbuster offseason commerceis poised to earn his fifth All-Star nomination and doubtlessly his first profession begin — assuming he garners sufficient fan votes. The Knicks large man was dominant in his first season with the workforce, averaging 24.3 factors and a league-leading 13.5 rebounds whereas taking pictures 53.9 p.c from the sphere and at 44.8% out of three. He joins the elite after changing into the fourth participant in historical past to attain 50 or extra factors in an All-Star Sport, becoming a member of Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis and Stephen Curry.
Brunson additionally has a robust case for a beginning spot within the Japanese Convention. After narrowly lacking out on a beginning position final yr attributable to fan voting, the Knicks captain has upped his recreation even additional this season. He’s averaging 24.5 factors and a career-high 7.7 assists on 48.1% taking pictures, together with a career-best 41.8% from past the arc. With Brunson and Cities main the way in which, the Knicks have cemented themselves as one of many elites within the East.
However can one in all their teammates be a part of them in San Francisco? It is an uphill battle, however there’s a likelihood.
WHO ELSE HAS A CASE?
MIKAL BRIDGES
After a tough begin to the season, Bridges burned in Decemberaveraging 22.3 factors on 57.2% taking pictures from the sphere and 46.3% from three. Bridges’ two-way impression, highlighted by his 1.3 steals per recreation and frequent assignments in opposition to prime perimeter scorers, makes him a robust candidate.
OG ANUNOBY
Anunoby, the Knicks’ defensive anchor, has been invaluable, usually guarding the opposing workforce’s finest participant. He is averaging 16.5 factors on 48% taking pictures and already has a 40-point recreation this season. As coaches vote for All-Star reserves, Anunoby’s defensive impression might tip the scales in his favor.
JOSH HART
The Knicks’ Swiss Military knife Hart has been extra versatile than ever, averaging 14.2 factors, 8.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists whereas taking pictures a career-high 39.6 p.c from deep. His relentless drive and skill to do some little bit of all the pieces make him a useful piece for New York.
COMPETITION IN THE EAST
Different prime groups within the Japanese Convention even have a number of gamers in rivalry for All-Star recognition.
CLEVELAND HORSEMEN
The league-leading Cavaliers are assured at the very least two reps, with Donovan Mitchell a lock and compelling instances for Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Mobley’s soar underneath new coach Kenny Atkinson might earn him his first cap.
BOSTON CELTICS
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are surefire picks for the defending champions. Nevertheless, given the East’s depth, Boston is unlikely to get a 3rd All-Star nod, though Derrick White might simply sneak in as a three-point shooter and versatile defender.
THE MAGIC OF ORLANDO
Accidents to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner have thrust Jalen Suggs into the highlight. Suggs stepped as much as the plate, averaging practically 20 factors per recreation in December whereas sustaining his tenacious protection. Orlando’s true All-Star stays sidelined as head coach. Jamahl Mosley has a coach of the yr in his future.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a lock as at all times, however Damian Lillard’s inconsistency and the Bucks’ total struggles might make his case for a spot much less positive.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Joel Embiid stays a perennial All-Star, however his restricted availability might pave the way in which for Tyrese Maxey, who’s averaging 25.7 factors per recreation, to make his All-Star debut.
THE PATH TO A THIRD KNICK
For Bridges, Anunoby or Hart to punch their ticket, the Knicks might want to keep their scorching streak. Profitable 16 of their final 20 video games has helped cement their place because the third-best workforce within the East, however competitors for All-Star spots will likely be fierce.
If the Knicks maintain rolling, one in all their versatile stars might beat out different borderline candidates like Bam Adebayo, LaMelo Ball or Tyrese Haliburton.
PROJECTED ALL-STARS FROM THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
ENTRIES
C Karl-Anthony Cities, NYK
F Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
F Jayson Tatum, BOS
G Donovan Mitchell, CLE
G Jalen Brunson, New York
Reserves
G Darius Garland, CLE
G Jalen Suggs, ENT
G Trae Younger, ATL; or G Damian Lillard, MIL; or G Derrick White, BOS
G Tyrese Maxey, PHI or G LaMelo Ball, CHA
F Jaylen Brown, BOS
F Evan Mobley, CLE
C Joel Embiid, PHI; C Bam Adebayo, MIA; or F Mikal bridges
Fan voting ends on January 20. All-Star starters will likely be revealed on January 23, and reserves introduced on January 30. Knicks followers ought to maintain their fingers crossed – not only for Brunson and Cities, however for the potential for including a 3rd star to symbolize New York in San Francisco.
