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Nugg Love Roundtalk: All-Star Reserves Selection Special

By Wardell

Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone (left) talks with Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone (left) talks with Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball in the third quarter against Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets 108-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball in the third quarter against Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets 108-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex of Dig in Denver (@alex21thegreat):

Russell Westbrook-

  • He is averaging a triple double. Enough said here.

DeMarcus Cousins-

  • I consider Cousins the most talented and skilled big man in the game of basketball. He has an array of moves down low, he has expanded his shooting every season, and is now a legitimate threat from the 3-point line. He is shooting a career high (37.4%) from downtown. He has the total offensive package. There is no doubt that he should be a reserve.

Rudy Gobert-

  • Gobert is a legitimate candidate for defensive player of the year this year and leads the entire NBA in DRPM (Defensive Real Plus Minus) and blocks per game. The Jazz are sitting at the 5th seed right now, and Gobert has been a huge reason for this young team’s success.

Draymond Green-

  • Green continues to be one of the best all-around players in the game on both sides of the court. His intensity is unmatched and he is always willing to take on the challenge of guarding the best of the best. He is ranked 4th in DRPM in the NBA and is ranked third in steals. He doesn’t put up the crazy offensive numbers of a Russell Westbrook or a James Harden, but he does a little bit of everything for the Warriors.

Gordon Hayward-

  • This is when it starts to get tough. For me, I had to choose this slot for either Hayward or Klay Thompson. Hayward straight up has better numbers this season, so I had to go with him. The addition of Durant has affected Thompson’s numbers this year for sure, but I believe Hayward deserves this spot. Hayward is averaging a career high in points per game this season, and his field goal percentage is the highest of his career aside from his rookie season. He also has career highs in rebounds per game and free throw percentage. He is the go to scorer for the Jazz, and it does seem odd to have two Jazz players in the all-star game, but they are on the rise and it all starts with Gobert and Hayward.

Karl-Anthony Towns-

  • Towns is one of the young rising stars in the NBA and is averaging a double-double this season. Along with his offensive game (which will only get better and better), he is a solid rim protector and shot blocker. One day, Towns has a chance to be the best player in the NBA. It is amazing how good he already is at 21 years of age.

Chris Paul-

  • Before CP3 got injured, he was having a sensational season on both sides of the ball. He is ranked 5th for DRPM in the NBA, he is the league leader in steals per game, top ten in PER, and is top five in assists per game. He continues to be the best two-way point guard in the game. He doesn’t blow you away with his scoring because he is always pass first. Due to his thumb injury, he will need to be replaced for the all-star game.

(Alternate: C.J. McCollum)

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