After the All-Star starters had been announced last week, NBA coaches voted for the players that will join them and come off the bench in the All-Star game. Some of these guys could have easily made it to the starting lineup last week, but they will be happy that they made the team. Here are the reserves for the Eastern Conference.
Backcourt players: Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics; John Wall, Washington Wizards; Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors; Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets.
Frontcourt players: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers; Paul Milsap, Atlanta Hawks; Paul George, Indiana Pacers.
Isaiah Thomas has been a guy that many believed that he should have made it as a starter. He was tied in the voting with DeMar DeRozan, but the fan vote gave the nod to Raptors All-Star guard. Still, Isaiah will be making the team and leading this group of players off the bench.
John Wall was another guy that was a lock to make it as the reserve. He is having a phenomenal season leading the Wizards to a winning record. If they had just a bit better start to the year, he would have had a chance to make it as a starter.
Kemba Walker is a first-time All-Star. Many people feared that guys like Dwyane Wade or Carmelo Anthony would bump Kemba out, but luckily, the coaches got it right.
Milsap, George, and Love are leading the frontcourt off the bench. Milsap has been by far the best player on the Atlanta Hawks. Paul George has had a good season for the Pacers while Kevin Love is returning to the All-Star game after taking a small break from the All-Star festivities.
There were no surprises in the East this year. Every guy on this team deserves to be on the roster. East looks good and will be ready to compete with the Western Conference All-Stars.
