The NBA has announced its All-Star starters, with Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokić earning spots in the Western Conference lineup. Their selections come as no surprise, as many expected them to make the cut. Some considered Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis as potential candidates. However, Jokić and Durant ultimately secured their spots. Reserves are announced on Thursday. Will any Memphis Grizzlies hear their name called?
Grizzlies’ Jackson Jr. and Morant Vie for All-Star Reserve Spots
The Battle for All-Star Reserve Spots
The All-Star reserves are set to be announced on Thursday, and the Grizzlies have two players in contention for a spot. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant have both had solid seasons and will be under consideration. Neither player is a lock, but both have a chance. The Western Conference reserve pool is deep. Wembanyama, Davis, Domantas Sabonis, and Anthony Edwards are all virtual locks for a spot. Beyond them, the remaining spots are highly competitive.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Case for an All-Star Selection
Jackson Jr. has been phenomenal this season. His offensive development into a dynamic scoring threat has been impressive. He attacks the rim aggressively and stretches the floor, making him an integral part of the Grizzlies’ offense. So far this season, he leads the team in points per game.
Defensively, Jackson Jr.’s impact is undeniable. He serves as the anchor of the Grizzlies’ defense, protecting the rim while possessing the agility to guard multiple positions. His combination of offensive and defensive prowess gives him a strong edge in the highly competitive Western Conference All-Star race.
Wembanyama, Davis, and Sabonis are likely to claim the three frontcourt reserve spots, but with two wildcard selections available for any position, Jackson Jr. has a solid chance to make the team.
Ja Morant Faces an Uphill Battle
Unlike Jackson Jr., Morant finds himself on the outside looking in, with a tough road to an All-Star selection. The biggest obstacle is the number of games he has missed. Morant has played in just 28 of 47 games this season, meaning he has missed 40% of the Grizzlies’ contests.
If Morant fails to claim a backcourt position, he would have to compete for one of the two wildcard spots. However, those positions are just as competitive, with players like Alperen Şengün, Jalen Williams, and Devin Booker all in the mix. Even his own teammate, Jackson Jr., is a strong contender. With such stiff competition, Morant faces an uphill battle for an All-Star spot. He has also missed a significant number of games, which further hurts his chances. As a result, he will likely fall short of an All-Star selection this season.
Memphis Grizzlies’ All-Star Outlook
The Grizzlies currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference, meaning they should realistically have at least one All-Star, possibly two. Given the circumstances, Jackson Jr. appears to have the best shot at earning that honor. Morant’s limited availability this season will likely cost him a selection, but Jackson Jr.’s two-way impact makes him a strong candidate.
Rising Stars Representation for the Grizzlies
Even if Jackson Jr. and Morant do not both make the All-Star team, the Grizzlies will still have representation during All-Star Weekend. Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells are set to participate in the Rising Stars Game on Feb. 16. Both players have had stellar rookie campaigns and currently rank in the top five of the latest NBA Kia Rookie of the Year Ladder.
The future looks bright for the Grizzlies, as their young core continues to develop and show promise for years to come.
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