Who is the greatest player to play in the NBA in 2019?

This question looms after two All-Stars were allowed to create their own dream roster for the 2019 All-Star Game that will be played in Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, Feb. 17.

A cream-of-the-crop roster was created by team captains Lebron James of Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

A new format was added to the NBA All-Star Game to boost ratings starting in 2018. In the All-Star Games prior, teams were made up of the best players from each conference, east versus west. Many fans and critics alike decided that the NBA All-Star Game need to be more interesting.

As of late, many athletes seem to lack interest in the All-Star Game, resulting in zero defense being played. Thus, the change has brought a more playground-like atmosphere to the big game.

Without a doubt, I could have guessed that both captains would choose from the best team in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors (41-15).

Lebron, choosing his rival, Kevin Durant, was not a surprise for me. Durant, who is arguably one of the best players the NBA has seen, will appear next to Lebron since the two entered the NBA — this duo showcased its talent last year as the pair put together a last- second win in this contest.

Giannis, on the other hand, chose Stephen Curry.

Curry’s three-point shooting has been well showcased in his tenure with the Warriors and is very crafty in his efforts to score.

After rebuilding in Oakland, Curry has seen the whole Golden State roster transform into an NBA championship team.

The tough task for Team Giannis is who will guard the dangerous mad man with the beard, James Harden.

The captain of the Houston Rockets currently leads the NBA in points per game at 36.6.

He adds a twist to any team he’s on with nifty step backs and incredible range from the deep.

From my point of view, it seems like Antetokounmpo went with more length on his side. By adding Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, his team is set to protect the rim at will.

Hopefully this relatively new format will continue to change the pace of the NBA All Star game making it more fun to watch. I believe Team Lebron will walk away victorious after the showing we saw last year.