Trending Topics: Picking East All-Star reserves

Will Trae Young (left) and Tyrese Maxey be selected as reserves for the East All-Stars this season?

Periodically, NBA.com’s writers will weigh in on key storylines or trending topics around the league.

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Who are your All-Star reserves from the Eastern Conference?

Editor’s Note: The All-Star reserves will officially be announced on Thursday night on TNT (7 ET). 

> Trending Topics: Picking West All-Star reserves

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Steve Aschburner

Jalen Brunson, New York KnicksTyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ersJaylen Brown, Boston CelticsBam Adebayo, Miami HeatPaolo Banchero, Orlando MagicDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersJulius Randle, New York Knicks

When I submitted my media ballot to the league, I had Brunson as a starter, so he’s automatic for me here. The others’ cases are self-explanatory cases, either as second-best players on top contenders (Maxey, Brown) or leading men on the next tier of teams (Adebayo, Banchero, Mitchell). The toughest call for me was Randle’s old-school impact vs. Trae Young’s scoring/passing combo game. The Knicks’ team success tipped that in Randle’s favor.

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Brian Martin

Jalen Brunson, New York KnicksTyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ersJaylen Brown, Boston CelticsBam Adebayo, Miami HeatJulius Randle, New York KnicksDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersPaolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

When we selected our starters, I debated Brunson or Maxey for my second guard next to Tyrese Haliburton. With Damian Lillard getting the starting nod, I have them as my reserve guards. In the frontcourt, Brown gets the second Celtics spot, especially with Kristaps Porzingis missing double-digit games. Bam Adebayo has the numbers and the versatility on both ends.

Randle will likely be replaced due to his shoulder injury but gets recognized here. Donovan Mitchell was an easy wild card choice; he was there with Brunson and Maxey as must-pick guards. The final spot had several candidates: Trae Young, Derrick White and Scottie Barnes were considered but Banchero got the nod, leading the Magic over .500 nearing the 50-game mark.

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Shaun Powell

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersJalen Brunson, New York KnicksJaylen Brown, Boston CelticsJulius Randle, New York KnicksBam Adebayo, Miami HeatTyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ersTrae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Let’s not waste any bytes explaining the no-brainers (Mitchell, Brunson, Maxey, Brown, Adebayo, Randle) and get right to the polarizing pick, which would be Young. I understand why folks are down on him, as though he’s the reason the Hawks are swooning (he isn’t). With regards to Atlanta’s place in the standings, I put more emphasis on team record for the big awards (MVP, Defensive, All-NBA, etc.) than for All-Star. Therefore, a pick-and-roll maestro averaging 27 points and 10 assists gets in. Sorry, Paolo Banchero. Your time is coming.

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John Schuhmann

Bam Adebayo, Miami HeatJaylen Brown, Boston CelticsJalen Brunson, New York KnicksTyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ersDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersJulius Randle, New York KnicksDerrick White, Boston Celtics

The top three candidates — Brunson, Maxey and Mitchell — are all guards. Randle is the only write-it-in-pen candidate in the frontcourt, with Adebayo and Brown making it despite having lesser resumes than they did a year ago. The last spot goes to White, because defense and efficiency matter, and the best team in the league has been at its best with him on the floor. Paolo Banchero just misses the cut, because the Magic’s success is more about defense and great bench play, but with Randle injured, he could get a spot either way.

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Michael C. Wright

Jalen Brunson, New York KnicksDonovan Mitchell, Cleveland CavaliersBam Adebayo, Miami HeatPaolo Banchero, Orlando MagicJaylen Brown, Boston CelticsTyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ersTrae Young, Atlanta Hawks

You could make the argument that both Brunson and Mitchell deserved to be starters. The same could be said for Maxey, a frontrunner for the Kia Most Improved Player award. Those three deserve to be All-Stars, as each player in the trio plays significant roles for top five teams in the Eastern Conference. A two-time All-Star, Brown is the bona fide co-star to Jayson Tatum on the best team in the East. He belongs. Julius Randle, Myles Turner and Kristaps Porzingis each deserved consideration for the last three slots. But entertainment value rules for the NBA All-Star Game. So, Adebayo, Banchero and Young fit the bill in that respect.