Why Damian Lillard's trade to the Bucks will have an immense impact on the Rockets

With Damian Lillard being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets shooting guard Jalen Green has a chance at making the All-Star team. Lillard was always a lock to get the nod in the Western Conference, so with him changing coasts, there will naturally be a vacancy.

Every year in the NBA, there are roughly twenty-four players that make the All-Star team. Green is categorized as a backcourt player, alongside shooting guards and point guards across the league.

What is significant about this season however, is that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is suspended for the first twenty-five games of the season for conduct detrimental to the league. His absence will likely mean Morant misses the All-Star game this season.

Even if this happens, Green shouldn't be viewed as an automatic fill-in, however. Far from it, as there will be immense competition for this surefire vacancy.

Why Damian Lillard's trade to the Bucks will have an immense impact on the Houston Rockets

Other candidates for the backcourt All-Star spot will be Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic, Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilegous-Alexander, Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox, Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray, Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker, Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane, Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards, and Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves.

Not to mention Bradley Beal and Kyrie Irving.

Considering the list of players likely to garner All-Star consideration, I would put Jalen Green behind Doncic, Edwards, Booker, Curry, Gilegous-Alexander, Murray, and Fox. However, I'd put him ahead of Bane and Reaves.

Again, it will obviously be tough for Jalen to make the All-Star team this season. However, if there are any injuries, Green will likely be a good candidate for an injury replacement or a substitute.

Especially if Jalen takes the leap many hope and expect him to take in year three.