Earlier this week we looked at potential Western Conference players who could earn their first NBA All-Star nomination this season. Now, let’s look at their Eastern Conference counterparts:
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will almost certainly send two to the All-Star game after their torrid start. They raced to a 15-0 record before being stymied by the defending champion Boston Celtics by three points on Nov. 19. Two weeks later, they evened up the series with a win at home over the Celtics. Donovan Mitchell’s overall numbers are down across the board, but he’s a virtual lock to make his sixth All-Star appearance in a row. The second spot is a bit trickier and should come down to either point guard Darius Garland or forward Evan Mobley.
Garland’s improved play this season is a driving force in Cleveland’s ascent. He’s looked confident and has been one of the most efficient scorers in the league. However, Mobley’s two-way impact is undeniable. Mobley has always been a tremendous defender, but his offensive game is starting to catch up. He’s posting career-high numbers in points, steals, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage. The 23-year-old is an All-Defensive candidate who deserves plenty of credit for the Cavaliers’ strong start.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Evan Mobley was the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but let’s not forget about who went first overall. Cade Cunningham is healthy and has been a star for the Detroit Pistons. He’s putting up career-high numbers across the board while increasing his efficiency. Cunningham currently ranks third in assists per game behind only Trae Young and Nikola Jokic. He’s also hauling in 7.5 RPG — a huge number for a point guard.
In past years, the Pistons have been so dreadful as a team that Cunningham could potentially be overlooked. But, that’s not the case this season. Detroit is a competitive bunch and is currently slotted for a spot in the play-in tournament. Adding veterans like Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley has certainly helped, but Cunningham’s development has been the key reason for the Pistons escaping the cellar of the Eastern Conference this year.
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Predicting the Eastern Conference All-Star roster has grown murkier due to injuries. Toronto’s Scottie Barnes and Orlando’s duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner would have all been clear picks had they not gotten hurt. Each of them still has a chance to make the final cut, but it depends on how soon they return to action. With those spots potentially vacated, a new crop of contenders has come forward.
Tyler Herro is having an All-Star-caliber year for the Miami Heat. He’s always been a quality rebounder and playmaker for the perennial Eastern Conference contenders, but the sweet-shooting Herro is scoring better than ever before. The only player who has made more threes than Herro this season is Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, and Miami’s guard is shooting well over 40 percent on attempts from beyond the arc. Herro’s emergence as a go-to scorer has helped a Miami team that can struggle offensively for long stretches.
