NBA: Way-too-early Western Conference All-Star predictions

(Editor’s note: This article is a follow-on from the piece I wrote about the players I predicted would make the 2022 NBA All-Star game from the East.)

The Western Conference has more competition for places since it is the more competitive half of the league. I think my selection from the West beats the team from the East in a competitive matchup, but this is an All-Star game, a bout where players are looking to relax, have fun and show off for the fans.

Anything can happen.

With that said, here are my 12 guys who I think will make the 2022 All-Star game from the West.

12. Draymond Green – Golden State Warriors

Due to the injuries of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson over the past few seasons, Draymond Green’s name stopped appearing in the news as much as before. The success of Golden State from 2014 to 2019 shone a bright light upon Green, and he responded well.

Draymond was an integral cog in the Warrior machine, a leader on the floor who ran the offense and led the charge on defense. He was never a good scorer, but he didn’t have to be with the likes of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant around him. He made the hustle plays and was the emotional leader that kept them going for so long.

This season, he’s easily the 2nd biggest reason why the Warriors have the 2nd best record in the NBA. He’s GSW’s top rebounder, passer, defender, and leader. He is in charge of implementing Steve Kerr’s great game plans on the floor, and he’s done an amazing job so far.

Green has already made the All-Star game three times and he’s a well-known player throughout the league that is respected by players, journalists, and fans alike.