Predicting the West Starters & Reserves for the 2018 All-Star Game

West Reserves Frontcourt

Paul George, LaMarcus Aldridge and Karl-Anthony Towns

LaMarcus Aldridge - San Antonio Spurs

Paul George - Oklahoma City Thunder

Karl-Anthony Towns - Minnesota Timberwolves

Winning must be rewarded and Kawhi Leonard has played far too few games to take credit for the San Antonio Spurs' 25-11 record. So the reward, and rightfully so, is passed on to LaMarcus Aldridge. After a sit-down with Gregg Popovich, the Spurs played around Aldridge in the absence of Leonard and the team's record is a testament to the success of the move. Playing in 35 of the team's 36 games, the former Blazers' forward averages 22.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 49.3% shooting.

The Thunder might have struggled but Paul George is still a stud. The team was struggling with an identity crisis on the offensive end which should not cast any doubt on George's talent level. In 33 games, he averages 20.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 2.5 steals. Moreover, he's a huge reason, the team is ranked fourth in the league in defensive rating.

KAT could have been an All-Star last year but it might have been too early. This year, he might have sacrificed on scoring but his impact on the game and value to the team is undeniable and among the league's best. He ranks 6th in the league in Win Shares with averages of 20.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists on 53.1% shooting. More importantly, for the first time since he came into the league, the Timberwolves have a winning record (22-14, 4th in the West) so deep into the season.