With the NBA’s All Star Game approaching (February 18, 2018), Reddit user glansberg_stephen decided to rank teams around the league according to how many All-Star appearances the players on their respective rosters have accumulated over the course of their careers. As it turns out, the Cleveland Cavaliers took the proverbial cake by quite a wide margin.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (35) – LeBron James (13), Dwyane Wade (12), Kevin Love (4), Derrick Rose (3), Isaiah Thomas (2), Kyle Korver (1). Average age of all-star: 32.69.
With so many popular names, it’s fairly easy to see why the Cavs have the highest count of All-Star appearances. James, now in his 15th season of service, is continuing to do James-like things, and now he’s been joined by his long-time friend in Dwyane Wade. Together, they account for 25 All-Star nods — with more likely on the horizon.
Let’s take a look at which teams cracked the top-five of this list.
2. San Antonio Spurs (22) – Pau Gasol (7), Tony Parker (6), LaMarcus Aldridge (5), Manu Ginobili (2), Kawhi Leonard (2). Average age of all-star: 34.59.
Ah, yes. The Spurs: an ever-present force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder/ Golden State Warriors (both have 20) – Thunder: Carmelo Anthony (10), Russell Westbrook (6), Paul George (4). Warriors: Kevin Durant (8), Stephen Curry (4), Klay Thompson (3), Draymond Green (2), David West (2), Andre Iguodala (1). Average age of all-star: 30.6 (Thunder), 29.5 (Warriors).
As most hoops fans know, the Thunder and Warriors are two of the best teams in the NBA. They too are stacked with talented (and popular) players.
4. Dallas Mavericks/Houston Rockets (14) – Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki (13), Devin Harris (1). Rockets: Chris Paul (9), James Harden (5). Average age of all-star: 38.64 (Mavericks), 30 (Rockets).
Dirk Nowitzki has the majority of Dallas’ All-Star appearances — and for good reason. The Würzburg, Germany native has established himself as an all-time great. When other players start copying your shot, that’s when you know you’ve made it.
The Rockets acquired Chris Paul in the 2017 offseason, which catapulted their total number of All-Star nods to 14. Paul, one of the best point guards to ever step on a basketball court, and Harden, one of the best two-guards the league has ever known, have teamed up to create one of the more potent backcourts in the Western Conference.
5. New Orleans Pelicans (13) – Anthony Davis (4), Rajon Rondo (4), DeMarcus Cousins (3), Jrue Holiday (1), Jameer Nelson (1). Average age of all-star: 27.92.
Although they’re a relatively new franchise, the Pelicans have quite a list of talent on their roster. 24-year-old Davis is quickly making a name for himself, and Cousins has been a well-established force in the paint for quite some time.
Without a doubt, most of these players will be looking for another shot at playing in the All-Star Game. Hoops fans can head over to this link for a full list of the rankings.
