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

Firmly entrenched as a top-three NBA player, Stephen Curry deserves the starting spot despite missing time due to injury. He’s averaging 29.3 points and 5.6 assists per game, shooting with his typical breakneck volume and efficiency from three-point range.

One of the most uniquely versatile offensive players in league history, few can impact a game like Curry. His shooting bends defenses to their breaking point, while his passing and finishing are perpetually underrated and undeniably elite.

James Harden now has 21 consecutive games with 30+ points, culminating with a 61-point explosion in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. He’s putting together an offensive stretch comparable to Kobe Bryant‘s career best, making him the mid-season MVP.

On the season, Harden is averaging 36.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. He’s doing so with relative efficiency, all while carrying an undermanned Houston roster. We’re witnessing live history, so sit back and appreciate it.

An under-the-radar MVP candidate, Paul George has been OKC’s best player this season. He’s taking on a bigger role offensively, emerging as a viable shot-creator and splitting the workload more evenly with Russell Westbrook.

In addition to his offensive production — a career-high 27.0 points per game — George is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The Thunder boast one of the NBA’s best defenses, and George is at the center of everything with his versatility, effort and anticipation.

Despite an extended injury absence, LeBron James remains the NBA’s best player. He deserves a spot in the starting five, leading the Lakers to one of the West’s best records prior to his groin strain. The Lakers, due to LeBron alone, are contenders in the toughest conference.

LeBron is averaging a casual 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game, leading the Lakers in each category. You can make an argument for Anthony Davis or Nikola Jokic, but the King reigns for now.

Warriors fatigue plays a role, but Kevin Durant isn’t getting nearly enough recognition this season. On the NBA’s best team, he’s averaging 28.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game — the latter of which is a career high. He’s doing so while shooting 51.1 percent from the field.

Golden State revolves around Curry and Durant, two infinity stones who give the Warriors an overwhelming advantage every night. He’s not only an elite offensive talent, but a solid defender who thrives in the Warriors’ hyper-versatile rotations.