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Predicting the 2023 Eastern Conference NBA All-Star starters

By Donald Hamilton

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

NBA: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics Forward

After a disappointing NBA Finals showing last year against the Warriors, it seems Tatum heard all the noise heard in the aftermath all offseason and has used it as fuel to elevate his game to the next level and improve upon the weaknesses he showed in the Finals, from turnovers to finishing at the rim.

He is playing at an MVP level, averaging a career-high in points (30.6) and field goal percentage (46.8%). Tatum is sixth in win shares (6.0) and seventh in the league in usage rate (32.9). He has a true shooting percentage of 60% and has been magnificent at attacking the basket and finishing this season, converting on 75% of his shots at the rim, which is the best in the league this season for a player of his caliber.

With the Celtics sitting atop the East and looking like a team that is on a revenge tour for what happened in the Finals, it should only be fitting that Tatum gets a spot to start in the All-Star game, even though it might be “cheating” a bit considering he’s not a true guard. But with Durant being injured and most likely questionable to play in the All-Star game due to his MCL injury, don’t be surprised if Tatum gets his name called.