NBA All Star Rosters Announced

It always signals the halfway point of the season. On February 19th, the best of the best in the National Basketball Association will gather at the Smoothie King Center, in New Orleans. Why? To celebrate the 66th NBA All Star Game. Its where the best in the sport of basketball try and showcase their skills. Voting process for the starters changed a little bit this season. The starters for the first time are chosen by not only the fans, but also by the media and current NBA players. Fans make up 50% of the vote, and NBA players and media each comprise 25% of the vote. The two guards and three frontcourt players who receive the highest cumulative vote totals are named the All-Star starters. NBA head coaches vote for the reserves for their respective conferences, none of which can be players on their own team. So here's what the rosters look like for this year's game.

Eastern Conference:
Starters 
G Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers
G DeMar DeRozan Toronto Raptors
F LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers
F/G Jimmy Butler Chicago Bulls
F/G Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks

Reserves
G Isaiah Thomas Boston Celtics
G John Wall Washington Wizards
F/C Kevin Love Cleveland Cavaliers
G Kyle Lowry Toronto Raptors
F Paul George Indiana Pacers
G Kemba Walker Charlotte Hornets
F Paul Millsap Atlanta Hawks

Western Conference:
Starters
G Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors
G James Harden Houston Rockets
F Kevin Durant Golden State Warriors
F Kawhi Leonard San Antonio Spurs
F/C Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans

Reserves
G Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder
G Klay Thompson Golden State Warriors
F Draymond Green Golden State Warriors
C DeMarcus Cousins Sacramento Kings
C Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies
C DeAndre Jordan Los Angeles Clippers
F Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz

A little surprising to see no Knicks or Nets going to the game this year, but at the same time there's nobody on either of those teams who really stands out as being all star worthy. LeBron got named a starter for the 13th time in his career, which ties him with Dirk Nowitzki for most selections among active players. Jimmy Butler of Chicago is making his third consecutive all star game selection. Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks, who's making his first all-star selection in his young career. He is the first Buck to be named an all-star since Michael Redd in 2004.

Oh but wait there's more. As is the tradition on All Star weekend, there is the Rising Stars game on Friday the 17th. The players are first- and second-year players selected by the NBA's assistant coaches. Two people designated as "general managers" draft players for the two opposing teams. So here's the list of players that can be chosen from for this game.

Team World:
C Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers Rookie
G Danté Exum Utah Jazz Sophomore
G Buddy Hield New Orleans Pelicans Rookie
C Nikola Jokić Denver Nuggets Sophomore
F Trey Lyles Utah Jazz Sophomore
G Emmanuel Mudiay Denver Nuggets Sophomore
G Jamal Murray Denver Nuggets Rookie
F Kristaps Porziņģis New York Knicks Sophomore
F Domantas Sabonis Oklahoma City Thunder Rookie
F Dario Šarić Philadelphia 76ers Rookie

Team USA
G Devin Booker Phoenix Suns Sophomore
G Malcolm Brogdon Milwaukee Bucks Rookie
F Marquese Chriss Phoenix Suns Rookie
F Brandon Ingram Los Angeles Lakers Rookie
C Frank Kaminsky Charlotte Hornets Sophomore
C Jahlil Okafor Philadelphia 76ers Sophomore
G D'Angelo Russell Los Angeles Lakers Sophomore
G Jonathon Simmons San Antonio Spurs Sophomore
C Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves Sophomore
C Myles Turner Indiana Pacers Sophomore