For the first time since the NBA All-Star Game went to a draft format, the selections will take place live right before the game. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will once again be a captain, and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be opposing him. James will have the first selection as the top vote-getter. The draft will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET and will air on TNT.
The two captains will first select from the reserves, and then draft the remaining starters. Here’s a look at the selections, along with analysis of each pick.
2023 NBA All-Star Game draft results
Team LeBron roster
Starters
Nikola Jokic – 21st overall pick – The two-time reigning MVP goes to Team LeBron in the ultimate coup for the King.
Luka Doncic – 19th overall pick – James is going to tell Doncic and Irving to go crazy here. It’s interesting that he’d let them build some chemistry in this showcase game.
Kyrie Irving – 17th overall pick – This was obviously going to happen, and it’s a bit shocking James even made him available to Giannis. Let the rumor mill go crazy again.
Joel Embiid – 15th overall pick – This is a huge surprise from James, but it adds some size to his roster and grabs the Sixers center.
Reserves
Jaren Jackson Jr. – 14th overall pick – The Grizzlies power forward technically would’ve been the last pick of the whole draft if this was done in the right fashion.
De’Aaron Fox – 12th overall pick – This adds some much-needed speed to James’ squad. Fox is going to have some big moments tonight.
Julius Randle – 10th overall pick – James adds Randle, a point forward who provides some energy off the bench and will also try to make a statement after a rough 3-point contest Saturday.
Tyrese Haliburton – 8th overall pick – James finally adds a guard to his lineup.
Paul George – 6th overall pick – James takes his city rival who was almost his teammate twice. The loading up on wing players continue.
Jaylen Brown – 4th overall pick – James is loading up on wing players, taking the two-way star from Boston. We’ll see how much Brown plays given his face injury.
Anthony Edwards – 2nd overall pick – James taking a rising small forward who might be the future of the league is a great move.
Team Giannis roster
Starters
Lauri Markkanen – 22nd overall pick – Of course Markkanen was going to picked last with the starters but he’s been great this season and will be an important shooter for Team Giannis.
Donovan Mitchell – 20th overall pick – Mitchell has quietly been excellent for the Cavaliers this season, and he should put on a show for his former team’s fans.
Ja Morant – 18th overall pick – Antetokounmpo tried to grab Morant in his reserve draft but gets him here. A lot of guards for Team Giannis.
Jayson Tatum – 16th overall pick – This is a nice get for Antetokounmpo, as Tatum is playing some of his best basketball right now.
Reserves
Domantas Sabonis – 13th overall pick – Team Giannis gets more size with Sabonis.
Bam Adebayo – 11th overall pick – Team Giannis gets a defensive star, but we’ll see how much Adebayo actually challenges at the rim tonight.
Pascal Siakam – 9th overall pick – Antetokounmpo had a rough experience guarding Siakam in the 2019 playoffs but he gets to be teammates with him here. Versatility continues to be a key metric for Team Giannis.
DeMar DeRozan – 7th overall pick – The Bulls guard was a contender for James’ first pick given the love the King has for him. Antekounmpo keeps going guards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 5th overall pick – Yet another guard for Team Giannis. There’s not much defense played in this contest so this could actually be a smart strategy for Antetokounmpo.
Jrue Holiday – 3rd overall pick – Antetokounmpo takes his boy. He’s got two strong guards on his side now.
Damian Lillard – 1st overall pick – It’s surprising that Antetokounmpo didn’t take his teammate Jrue Holiday first but Lillard is not a bad selection here.