2018-19 All-Star picks: Do the Philadelphia 76ers deserve 3 players?

Bradley Beal deserves credit for the Wizards’ (slight) improvement since John Wall‘s surgery. He’s thriving as the go-to option, displaying growth as both a playmaker and a scorer. His three-point shooting is at a career low, but he’s been too productive elsewhere to keep off the roster. He can still stroke it at a high clip.

There’s been way too much speculation regarding Ben Simmons’ future. He’s an All-Star lock in just his second season, averaging 16.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. His production has been trending upward ever since Jimmy Butler’s arrival, all while boasting elite efficiency and defending five positions. He’s special. Don’t take it for granted.

Blake Griffin leads the NBA in touches, which speaks to his importance in the Pistons’ offense. While Detroit has fallen off considerably after a quick start to the season, Griffin remains one of the league’s most productive frontcourt players. His post work, improved shooting and underrated passing make him a surefire All-Star.

Victor Oladipo doesn’t have the best statistical profile, he’s still the hub for a Pacers team that’s outperforming preseason expectations. Indiana is currently third in the East, leading both Philadelphia and Boston. Averaging 19.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, Oladipo has adjusted to different coverages while spearheading an aesthetically-pleasing offense.

(Due to the unfortunate circumstances, we will also list Oladipo’s injury replacement below).

Despite recent struggles and injury woes, Kyle Lowry deserves a fifth straight All-Star appearance. He was integral to the Raptors’ hot start, dishing out 9.4 assists per game — which leads the NBA — and scoring 14.1 points on top. He’s a solid defender and the second-best player on a team that, for much of the season, has been the NBA’s best.

He’s probably the most obscure name on this list, but Nikola Vucevic deserves more credit. Even with Orlando’s return to Eastern Conference purgatory, the veteran center is averaging 20.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He’s also shooting 38.2 percent from deep, expanding his range and becoming one of the most dynamic three-level bigs in the NBA.

Jimmy Butler is essentially the last man in. It’s a tight race, and there are valid arguments against him. Eric Bledsoe, D’Angelo Russell and Pascal Siakam have especially convincing arguments. With that said, Butler’s role on a competitive (but thin) Sixers team earns him the final spot. He’s adjusting to a new role and averaging 19.6 points per game, shooting a career-high 38.3 percent from deep.

INJURY REPLACEMENT FOR VICTOR OLADIPO:

Next in line: D’Angelo Russell, Pascal Siakam, Khris Middleton, Jayson Tatum