Pick #9
Team Keith : Khris Middleton (Second selection, 2019, 2020)
Keith: This is probably the pick I’m least excited about, but it was necessary since I needed some shooting in my second unit besides Lillard, Bam, and Ingram. Middleton is shooting a lights out 43.2 percent from behind the arc this season, which fits the bill so nicely.
I’m a little worried leaving Westbrook out there… hope my guy Jack doesn’t snag him…
Team Jack: Russell Westbrook (Ninth selection, 2011–2013, 2015–2020)
Jack: Lets run! More firepower to add to a team that has a lot of it, Russ will be fun to watch.
Playing off the bench with Mitchell will be a serious track meet in the backcourt and I love it. With all the skills Russ possesses, his passing ability is what excites me most with him in the all-star game.
Russ has shown for years now that he is one of the best passers in the league. Pairing Russ next to the likes of Mitchell, Butler or Bron will be very fun to watch. In a year that some might consider down for Russ, he is still doing a lot of everything that he is known for.
Pick #10
Team Keith : Jayson Tatum (First selection)
Keith: Continuing the trend of finding shooters, Tatum is actually shooting a career low 36.6 percent from behind the line this season, but that’s still pretty darn good. He’s averaging more points than ever before in his career this season and let’s be real: He’s 6’8″….
I’m loving the length on this team, it’s going to be tough for the opposing defenses.
Team Jack: Nikola Jokić (Second selection, 2019, 2020)
Jack: In need of another big, Jokic was a solid option. His abilities on the offensive end will be fun to watch all-star weekend and he will fit in well with our squad.
He will be great in the pick and pop with Russ and his passing abilities will be fun to use with our three-point shooters. What Jokic lacks in athleticism he makes up for in just about everything else he does.
He can stretch the floor, rebound, and shoot. Another thing that will be fun to watch is with all of our speed Jokic will be a fun trailer option during fast breaks.
Pick #11
Team Keith : Rudy Gobert (First selection)
Keith: I am honestly super surprised that this is Gobert’s first all-star game. That just floors me for a guy that averages 2.2 blocks and 10.9 boards in his career.
While he’s not going to stretch the floor by any stretch of the imagination, he’s there to patrol the paint and hopefully shut down Jokić, neutralizing that offensive threat.
Team Jack: Chris Paul (Tenth selection, 2008–2016, 2020)
Jack: The OG Point god! I know a lot of people will be surprised at this pick since it wasn’t Simmons. However, I like having Chris Paul as just another player who can be a tough-nosed guy who can bring a lot of flare on both ends.
In a renaissance year in OKC, Paul has been the epitome of doing more with less as his usage rating is one of the lowest in his career. With the three-headed monster they have in OKC, Paul has also shown the ability to be able to slide into the two-guard spot if needed as well.