Only one Celtics player named an All-Star in initial announcement
The Celtics’ star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have once again been among the league’s best players this season. However, only one will be heading to Cleveland for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
Tatum, who turns 24 next month, was one of seven Eastern Conference players named when the league announced the All-Star reserves Thursday night. This will be Tatum’s third All-Star game, with all three trips coming consecutively.
After a bit of a rough stretch to start the season, Tatum has come on strong in recent weeks. He’s averaging 25.9 points per game this season, and leads the league with 1,269 points at the time of the announcement.
Brown’s name is noticeably absent from the list. The 25-year-old, who reached his first career All-Star game last year, is averaging 24.2 points per game, to go with a career high 6.6 rebounds per game. However, Brown has missed 14 games this season, which may have impacted the decision.
Also, Brown’s All-Star chances may not be totally closed. Eastern Conference starter Kevin Durant will miss the game due to injury, meaning the league will need to name a replacement. Brown is one of a handful of players who could qualify for that spot.
This year’s NBA All-Star Game will be held on Feb. 20. The Skills Challenge will be held the night before, with those participants announced on Feb. 8.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
