Bucks superstar Giannis Antetekounmpo was the second player chosen in the first-ever NBA All-Star Game draft on Thursday night.
For 2018 the NBA has gone to a new format where the two leading vote getters in fan voting get to choose from the remaining pool of All-Star candidates. It’s the NBA’s first attempt at a more pick-up game style for the All-Star game.
LeBron James, as the leading vote getter, had the number 1 pick in the draft and selected Golden State forward Kevin Durant with the top overall pick.
Two-time MVP Stephen Curry had the number 2 pick and selected Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season.
Giannis will join a starting lineup of Stephen Curry, James Harden, DeMar DeRozen and Joel Embiid.
LeBron James’ team is a formidable unit featuring James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins.
While the draft was not televised, details of how it unfolded came out throughout the night on TNT during an NBA national doubleheader. Kevin Durant revealed that he had indeed been the top pick by LeBron James, and Stephen Curry announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo had been his first selection.
The All-Star Game will take place February 18 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Team Lebron will be LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Demarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, Bradley Beal, Kevin Love, Victor Oladipo, Kristaps Porzingis, John Wall, and Russell Westbrook.
Team Steph will be Stephen Curry, Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozen, Joel Embiid, James Harden, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry, Klay Thompson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
