Kevin Love has high praise for All-Star Game GM LeBron James.
After reflecting upon LeBron James’ selections for the 2018 All-Star Game, teammate Kevin Love had high praise for James’ picks for the starting lineup.
“Our starters could probably go 82-0. Lot of size.”
A lot of size is right.
James (6-foot-8, 250 pounds) will be joined in the frontcourt by DeMarcus Cousins (6-foot-11, 270 pounds) and Anthony Davis (6-foot-10, 253 pounds). Kevin Durant (6-foot-9, 240 pounds) will join him on the wing, likely as an oversized shooting guard. Even Kyrie Irving, who is 6-foot-3 and 193 pounds, is larger than your average point guard.
Together, the lineup averages 56.6 points in the paint, 42.0 rebounds and 7.1 blocks per game. They’ll certainly be a force inside.
James’ starting lineup also features players who could all make an argument as the best of their position.
Irving has consistently outplayed two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry in head-to-heads; Durant outplayed James in the 2017 NBA Finals and is largely seen as the best scorer in the NBA history; Davis is a 24-year-old big man with guard skills and elite two-way ability who could be the best big man in the game; Cousins, though older, could also be the best big man in the game thanks to his athleticism and generational offensive ability.
James, is James. The best player in the world and one of the two greatest player’s in NBA history.
James will also have a lot of size on the bench with LaMarcus Aldridge (6-foot-11, 260 pounds), Kristaps Porzingis (7-foot-3, 260 pounds) and Love (6-foot-10, 251 pounds). These three players average a combined 23.7 points in the paint, 24.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game.
Even if Love does believe he was the last pick in the draft (and as James says, “Kev’ would say that”), he’s certainly earned his spot on the All-Star team with dominant offensive play and rebounding this season. The All-Star Game, and break, will be a much needed mental vacation for a team going through a trying time.
That’s especially true for Love, who found his credibility being questioned in a fiery team meeting and has seen his usage drop off a building since Isaiah Thomas returned from his hip injury.
The All-Star Game will take place on February 18th.
*Unless otherwise referenced, stats gathered from www.basketball-reference.com
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