2023 NBA All-Star Draft was full of shenanigans

The move was met with laughter and surprise from the All-Stars watching. LeBron James, the other captain, told the crowd, "See what I'm saying, y'all? Giannis is trying anything!"

A chastened Antetokounmpo had to consult the notebook that betrayed him to scramble for a replacement selection, ultimately choosing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder - also a very exciting rising star!

When it was time to draft the actual starters, Antetokounmpo rectified his error. James drafted former teammate Kyrie Irving with his second pick, which should fuel even more months of speculation about Irving joining the Lakers this summer. Then, with his second pick, Antetokounmpo actually did add Morant to Team Giannis.

The last two remaining starters were the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic and Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz. Jokic, who became the first player to start an All-Star Game on his birthday - he turned 28 Sunday - wasn't going to be picked last.

Before James could make his last selection, Jokic was out of his seat and walking over to James. No one has been able to stop Jokic this season, and that includes LeBron. James already had Joel Embiid, so he might not have opted for a second center, but Jokic gave him no choice.

It all worked out, as Team Giannis won the game, dealing James his first loss as an All-Star captain. The captains themselves left early - Antetokounmpo with an existing wrist injury, and James at halftime with a bruised hand. And the first pick for Team Giannis, Jayson Tatum, set an All-Star Game record with 55 points.

As for Morant, he had a quiet six points in 20 minutes. Maybe he should have really been a reserve after all.