Congrats to all the starters of the NBA All-Star game. But just a few thoughts...
Eastern Conference All-Stars were absolutely and completely deserving
So the Eastern Conference All-Stars are Derrick Rose (CHI), Dwyane Wade (MIA), LeBron James (MIA), Amare Stoudemire (NYK), and Dwight Howard (ORL). No one is taking Dwight Howard's starting position for the next couple of years because there have been very few centers that have been as dynamic and as athletic as Dwight Howard. Stoudemire has been a revelation on the Knicks, embracing his star status and playing at the highest caliber of basketball he has ever played (though Kevin Garnett (BOS) could have also snuck in). LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have Miami playing their best basketball since their last superstar pairing (O'Neal and Wade). Derrick Rose's selection may seem odd because of Rajon Rondo's (BOS) impressive assist numbers, but Derrick Rose is a superstar, while Rondo isn't. So Rose deserves the starting nod. Also interesting that the top 5 scorers in the Eastern conference are the starters.
My Guess for the Eastern All-Star Reserves
Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett are going to the All-Star Game as both are defensive monsters and deserving players. After those two, the other starters are a little less set in stone. I'd guess that Danny Granger (IND) gets a nod because of his scoring abilities on a less than decent team. Chris Bosh (MIA) completes the trifecta of Heat players. Really this is just a crap-shoot. I'd go for Paul Pierce (BOS), Brook Lopez (NJN), John Wall (WAS), and Luol Deng (CHI), who is pretty much my favorite player.
Western Conference Starters...Not So Much
Kobe Bryant (LAL), Kevin Durant (OKC), and Chris Paul (NOH) all are veritable MVP candidates. Bryant is once again leading the Lakers to an impressive season. Durant is leading the league in scoring and is contributing like a real team player. And Chris Paul is probably the best point guard in the league (just a notch above Deron Williams (UTA)). But Yao Ming (HOU) is injured, and Carmelo Anthony (DEN) just isn't that great at anything other than scoring. The deserving starting center is Kevin Love (MIN) hands down. The best rebounder in the game is still not a starter? It just doesn't make sense. The starting power forward should be either Blake Griffin (LAC) or Dirk Nowitzki (DAL). Griffin is the highlight reel at power forward that hasn't existed since arguably Shawn Kemp. And he's averaging around 23 points and 13 rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki is just playing lights out. He was probably the best player until he got injured. That speaks a lot to his game.
My Guess for Western All-Star Reserves
This one is a lot easier. Monta Ellis (GSW) is one of the best scorers in the game. Deron Williams (UTA) is the second best point guard in the game and is having another fantastic season. Obviously you have Love, Griffin, and Nowitzki. But one of those players will be starting for the injured Ming. I would give Rudy Gay (MEM) a reserve spot just because he is the Most Interesting Man in the NBA . I would also lend LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) a spot because he has done a great job without Brandon Roy. Lastly, I would give Manu Ginobili (SAS) because you can't have an All-Star team without at least one member of the best team in the league, though Russell Westbrook (OKC) could sneak in.
All-Star Game is going to be on February 20. And with all of the other competitions (Skills Challenge is going to be chosen by the fans; Dunk Competition with Blake Griffin) it looks to be a great weekend from the Staples Center. It's gonna be a fun night!
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