NBA legends Shaquile O’Neal and Charles Barkley took center stage to announce the highly anticipated NBA All-Star rosters on January 31st live on broadcast television.
The NBA All Star game is a game played between the league’s best players as they’re being led by the league’s best coaching. Being selected to this game is a huge honor to NBA players as they’re invited to prestigious events to showcase their best skills alongside the best of the best.
A total of six NBA teams had two players selected to participate in the game, setting an all-time high for the event. However, one team stood alone with three of its starters selected. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell were all chosen to represent the Eastern Conference with their first year head coach Kenny Atkinson during All-Star weekend.
Seeing Garland selected as the third frontcourt player came as no surprise to Hall of Famer Shaquile O’Neal.
“Garland, so we saw Donovan Mitchell named the starter last week, and now his backcourt mate, for the 38 and 9 Cavs’ best record in the league, making his second All-Star appearance,” said Shaq after receiving the news of Garland’s nomination.
The young stars of the NBA have begun making their way into the game as there are plenty of new faces in the game. The Eastern Conference has three players scheduled to make their All-Star debut in Tyler Herro, Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham.
These young faces of the NBA are slowly making their way to the all-NBA level.
“You know what? Tyler Herro, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham all first timers, good for them kids. They all have a bright future,” said Barkley.
The young prodigy Victor Wembanyama received not only his first selection, but he got selected to be an All-Star game starter. After coming out of France as one of the most praised prospects since Lebron James, he has not disappointed the expectations.
Shaq believes that this is the first of many accolades for Wembanyama.
“I’m pulling for one guy from the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama. Yes, indeed, another first-time All-Star in just his second season. There’s a lot ahead for this kid,” said the four time champion Shaquile O’Neal.
