The NBA just announced the all-star starters Thursday night, and fans made at least one very questionable pick. This is how I would've voted for the starters, as well as who I would choose as the reserves:
East Starters:
Forwards
Lebron James, Cavs - No discussion needed for this one.
Chris Bosh, Raptors - His team is struggling, but it's not his fault. The only East forward who's close to averaging 20 and 10.
Guards
Dwyane Wade, Heat - A resurgent year is single-handedly keeping his team in the playoff hunt.
Joe Johnson, Hawks - If there was any year Iverson shouldn't have been voted as a starter, it is this one. The Hawks have been surprisingly good. Joe Cool (as well as Mike Bibby) is not surprisingly a big reason why.
Center
Dwight Howard, Magic - Again, no discussion needed.
East Reserves:
Forwards
Kevin Garnett, Celtics - Although the team has tailed off a little since the amazing start, KG is the engine that makes the Celtics go. I'm one of his biggest critics but I've got to give him his props. Danny Granger, Pacers - Lighting up every single team this year. Except for the Spurs, that is :-)
Guards
Devin Harris, Nets - Making Dallas look stupid for trading him.
Jameer Nelson, Magic - The best season of his career has the Magic playing unbelievably well.
Center
David Lee, Knicks - A double double monster who plays well regardless if his team wins or loses. It's a crime that he wasn't even listed on the all-star ballot.
Wild Cards
Paul Pierce, Celtics - The Celts' leading scorer (or has Ray passed him up?) and killer in the clutch.
Vince Carter, Nets - He beat out Rashard Lewis, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler for my last spot, mainly b/c he provides a strong veteran presence on a very young team, has better overall numbers than Lewis, and b/c the Wizards suck. I used to complain about Vince voted in w/o even playing well; now I find myself endorsing him.
West Starters:
Forwards
Tim Duncan, Spurs - Kept the Spurs afloat while Parker and Ginobili were hurt while putting up the customary 20 and 10 that's his calling card. I love that year after year, in a league full of flash and explosive athleticism, fans still respect solid, fundamental basketball. Either that or a lot of wins. Tim finished over second place Amare with more than a million vote lead.
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs - Like Bosh, he's putting up great numbers on a slightly underachieving team. Still the most unstoppable offensive big man in the game... unless it's the NBA Finals or against the Warriors, that is :-). Funny how I like Dallas more now that they're no longer a threat.
Guards
Kobe Bryant, Lakers - No discussion needed.
Chris Paul, Hornets - Ditto. Best point guard on the planet.
Center
Yao Ming, Rockets - Best center in the West and keeping his team alive amidst a slew of injuries.
West Reserves:
Forwards
Amare Stoudemire, Suns - Not having as great a season as in years past, but that's what happens when Shaq wants the ball.
Pau Gasol, Lakers - Gasol's never gotten much love from fans, but I've liked him ever since his rookie year w/ the Grizz. His effect on the Lakers' success is vastly underrated; last season, he received only five points towards an All-NBA spot. I highly doubt they would've made the finals without him.
Guards
Chauncey Billups, Nuggets - Between Melo and Chauncey, I think the latter's a little more deserving of an all-star nod. He's like Garnett in Boston; unspectacular stats but unquestionable leadership.
Brandon Roy, Blazers - Having a fantastic season helming one of the league's biggest surprises.
Center
Al Jefferson, Wolves - Minnesota's been playing great in 2009, largely in part to Big Al's spectacular play. I'd have loved to give this spot to Marcus Camby, but Jefferson's just too good to overlook.
Wild Cards
Tony Parker, Spurs - with Manu's struggles, the Spurs are more of a 2-man show w/ a bunch of solid reserves this year. Parker's one-half of the former tandem and is having a career year scoring and passing the ball. 55 points and 10 assists... not too shabby.
Paul Millsap, Jazz - I'd give this spot to Shaq, but there's no way that a team with a better record than Phoenix has no all-stars while Phoenix has two. Millsap beats out teammates Deron Williams and Mehmet Okur because of his out-of-nowhere dominance and consistency, though both Deron and Memo have convincing arguments as well. Millsap's like what Boris Diaw was to the 05-06 Suns when Amare was out; a diamond in the rough that's perfect for his team's system. Carlos who?
Notable Snubs:
No Pistons; ie, no AI (5th in the East but struggling)
No 76ers; ie, no AI (7th in the East and climbing)
No Shaq (playing his best bball in years at the expense of team chemistry)
First timers:
Danny Granger
Devin Harris
Al Jefferson
David Lee
Paul Millsap
On a side note, I hope cousin Rudy has a better showing in the dunk contest this year.
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