James also selects Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis; Giannis swaps Ben Simmons for Russell Westbrook in post-Draft 'trade'
Friday 8 February 2019 06:32, UK
For the second year in a row, LeBron James opened the NBA All-Star Draft on Thursday night by taking Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant with the first overall pick.
James, who earned the first choice by leading the NBA in All-Star voting for the second year in a row, never outright revealed his first choice in last year's draft, which was not televised. But after taking Durant in Thursday's event, which was televised, the Los Angeles Lakers' only All-Star admitted it was a repeat selection.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was named a captain by leading the Eastern Conference in All-Star voting, made it two Warriors in a row by taking guard Stephen Curry.
The captains then alternated picks through the remainder of the starters, with a mild surprise in Houston's James Harden slipping to the seventh of eight starters picked.
James picked former team-mate Kyrie Irving (Cleveland) third, Kawhi Leonard (Toronto) fifth and Harden seventh, while Antetokounmpo took Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) fourth and Paul George (Oklahoma City) sixth, while getting the last starter available, Charlotte's Kemba Walker.
The drama picked up in Round Two, when Antetokounmpo was given the first choice among reserves.
The Bucks star quickly chose his team-mate, Khris Middleton, opening up James to take New Orleans big man Anthony Davis, who requested a trade on January 28 but remained with the Pelicans past Thursday's trade deadline. Numerous reports have indicated Davis wants to join the Lakers, with James and Rich Paul, the agent James shares with Davis, trying to orchestrate his path there.
After James picked Davis, TNT's Ernie Johnson asked sarcastically, "You're sure you want him on your team?"
James responded with a laugh, "You know, I'm very sure of that."
Antetokounmpo, with perfect comedic timing, chimed in, "Isn't that tampering?"
That brought laughter from everyone, before James replied, "Tampering rules do not apply on All-Star weekend."
A few picks later, Antetokounmpo took Philadelphia's Ben Simmons, saying he knew he was taking James' preferred choice. A frustrated James opted for Portland's Damian Lillard next, but he would find a way to get Simmons later.
Each captain picked seven reserves, with Washington's Bradley Beal chosen last among the group. Then James was given the first choice of commissioner Adam Silver's two special roster additions: Miami's Dwyane Wade - James' former team-mate and one of his best friends -- or Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki.
"Everyone in the world know who I'm going with, I'm going with Dir-," James began, before cutting off and breaking out in laughter. After a few moments, he added, "I'm going with Dwyane Wade."
With the draft complete, rosters appeared to be set, but after a commercial break, James proposed a trade offering Russell Westbrook (chosen eighth among reserves) for Simmons (chosen fifth among reserves).
"I have a feeling that Giannis would love to see Russ and Embiid be team-mates, because we know how much they get along," James said facetiously, alluding to the feud between Westbrook and Embiid.
A good-natured Antetokounmpo held James' feet to the fire for a moment, asking him to include Wade in the deal as well, before relenting.
James is a starter for Team LeBron; Antetokounmpo starts for Team Giannis.
The game will be played February 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina and will be shown live on Sky Sports.
** Players traded following selection
