duncan228
01-21-2009, 03:36 PM
SI.com's NBA All-Star Picks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/01/21/west.all.stars/index.html)
The fans' selections for All-Star Game starters will be revealed Thursday night. The coaches' reserve choices -- they select two guards, two forwards, one center and two wild-card picks, and don't necessarily have to vote for players at the position at which they're listed on the official All-Star ballot -- will be announced Jan. 29. Which players deserve a trip to Phoenix for the Feb. 15 midseason showcase? SI.com's NBA writers make their picks. (All stats and records are through Tuesday.)
WESTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
SI CONSENSUS PICKS
Kobe Bryant
Ian Thomsen: Kobe Bryant. The reigning MVP is having a remarkably quiet, dissent-free year. How can a guy average 27 points (with the best shooting percentage of his career) and appear to be pacing himself for the playoffs? He's struck a healthy rhythm with his teammates, which is too bad for everyone else.
Jack McCallum: Kobe Bryant. He goes off on shoot-first tangents once in a while -- that's just Kobe being Kobe -- but he seems to realize that he is the linchpin of the league's deepest team. His willingness to make teammates like Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza better makes the Lakers better.
Chris Mannix: Kobe Bryant. How tough is Bryant? After dislocating the ring finger on his right hand against Cleveland, he is now playing with two mangled fingers on his shooting hand. Not just playing, either. Dominating. Bryant may not win a second straight MVP award, but he is still the most skilled player in the NBA.
Steve Aschburner: Kobe Bryant. Time flies: Bryant has been in the league as long as Michael Jordan was (13 seasons). And who can forget the 1998 All-Star Game in New York, where the precocious Bryant waved a cranky Karl Malone off a pick-and-roll to go at Jordan one-on-one.
Paul Forrester: Kobe Bryant. After a slow start by his standards, the Kobe we all know has gradually made his return, increasing his scoring average each month this season.
Chris Paul
Ian Thomsen: Chris Paul. He continues to keep New Orleans in contention for home-court advantage in the crowded West. The Hornets need him to dominate the ball, so the fun part will be watching him play without the ball in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Chris Paul. No one is doing his job better than Paul, who has the ball in his hands more than anyone and ranks second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Chris Mannix: Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets. Think I'll catch some heat for this pick? Bring it on. Chris Paul is the more obvious pick and Steve Nash is still a worthy choice, but my vote goes to the player who has single-handedly salvaged a team tagged for demolition.
Steve Aschburner: Chris Paul. I went with Dwyane Wade and Vince Carter as my starting guards in the East. There needs to be one pure point guard among the All-Star starting backcourts, don't ya think?
Paul Forrester: Chris Paul. It's clear the fourth-year point guard isn't just putting together a playing résumé akin to Isiah Thomas'; he's putting together a career better than Zeke's.
Dirk Nowitzki
Ian Thomsen: Dirk Nowitzki. He's scoring like he used to, and after all these years he's still only 30. But the Mavs still haven't created a new identity around him and Jason Kidd, and it's going to take all of Nowitzki's fight to make the playoffs. At least he can relax in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Dirk Nowitzki. Admit it: We've written off the 2007 MVP a little, haven't we? Well, the guy is as good as ever. He's playing big minutes and hitting big shots, and he's the reason you can't completely count out the Mavs.
Chris Mannix: Dirk Nowitzki. His production is similar to his 2006-07 MVP season, and his scoring is at a three-year high. He gets the nod over the Suns' Amaré Stoudemire.
Steve Aschburner: Dirk Nowitzki. Eleven seasons in, his scoring, shooting and minutes this season all are higher than his career averages. Like Tim Duncan, he makes consistency exciting, just from farther out on the floor.
Paul Forrester: Dirk Nowitzki. It's a shame his playoff failures have obscured how good the 11-year veteran is. Nowitzki is on track to average at least 21.8 points and 8.6 rebounds for the ninth consecutive season.
Tim Duncan
Ian Thomsen: Tim Duncan. Don't ignore this guy. He's averaging 20 and 10 now, which means he'll be good for 26 and 14 in the playoffs -- and even more in the biggest games.
Jack McCallum: Tim Duncan. Is there anything new to say about this guy? He held the Spurs together through an early injury epidemic.
Chris Mannix: Tim Duncan. A no-brainer. For what feels like the 36th straight season, Duncan has positioned the Spurs as a contender for the NBA title.
Steve Aschburner: Tim Duncan. Maybe this will be the year that Duncan unveils his wicked crossover, tosses a few set-up passes behind his back, soars in for a 360-degree slam and mugs for the worldwide audience in this entertainment-first event. Uh, maybe not.
Paul Forrester: Tim Duncan. Ho-hum, another terrific season for the game's most consistently excellent player.
Yao Ming
Ian Thomsen: Yao Ming. His numbers are down slightly, but Yao is maintaining his health (despite his unique Olympic burdens last summer) and he has never shown more leadership while keeping the Rockets in contention amid injuries to Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest and Shane Battier.
Jack McCallum: Yao Ming. As long as he stays healthy, pencil him in for the next half-dozen years. Along with being a near 20-10 guy, you can't foul him late (as you can Shaquille O'Neal) because he hits 86.2 percent of his free throws.
Chris Mannix: Yao Ming. Remember when everyone thought Yao was the Rocket who was going to break down? Instead, it has been everyone else. Yao has missed only one game this season.
Steve Aschburner: Yao Ming. Look, the world has enough troubles right now without unduly irritating all the mouse-clicking fans in China who expect to see Yao as the West starter again.
Paul Forrester: Yao Ming. Injuries have forced the Rockets to use 14 starting lineups this season, but Yao has been one of the few constants.
WESTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen:
Shaq makes it not just on legacy but on merit. Pau Gasol is among the league's most efficient big men across the board. The impossible choice involves Steve Nash, whose scoring is down through no fault of his own, as he has been quarterbacking Phoenix through its coaching transition while creating shots for Shaq and Jason Richardson as well as Amaré Stoudemire and Grant Hill. Nash rates behind Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker statistically and in the team standings, but there is no right answer when choosing which one to leave out.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
G Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
C Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
Jack McCallum:
I wrestled with starting either Amaré Stoudemire or Pau Gasol for Dirk Nowitzki, but neither has the nightly responsibility of the Mav. Three Suns among reserves is a lot, but tell me Steve Nash doesn't belong and Shaq, besides having an excellent season, must be there for entertainment value. Tracy McGrady may get voted in as a starter, but he's not on my team. It's hard not to have a Jazz representative, but they've had too many injuries and too much inconsistency, though Paul Millsap would've been the best candidate.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
C Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
C Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
Chris Mannix:
Timberwolves center Al Jefferson loses out to the Hornets' David West because the latter plays for a contender. I'm excluding Steve Nash even though the game is being played in his home city. That's no knock against Nash, who is having an All-Star-caliber season. But one of my starting guards, Chauncey Billups, has been a franchise-changer, Chris Paul has to be on the team and Tony Parker is putting up better numbers for a better team. Leaving one of them off for what would only be a PR move just isn't right.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
F David West, New Orleans Hornets
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
C Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
Steve Aschburner:
Gotta have Steve Nash -- the game's in Phoenix. No Amaré Stoudemire? I'm taking Manu Ginobili (making the Spurs the only West club with two All-Stars) because he's a living, breathing model of team-first focus on a day when that value gets trampled. See, kids, you can be a sub and still be an All-Star. Stoudemire often seems 180 degrees from that. Kevin Durant is ready for his national close-up, and Al Jefferson has been the best center, day in, day out, in the West. Besides, Shaq's more fun to watch all duded up on the sidelines.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
G Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
C Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
Paul Forrester:
No Steve Nash? Right. Not when his numbers are down and the competition is tough. Al Jefferson almost earned my starting nod at center; he deserves his first All-Star berth. The importance of Brandon Roy, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups and Amaré Stoudemire to their teams is self-evident. Paul Millsap has become a force in Utah in replacing an injured Carlos Boozer in the starting lineup. Some might think Kevin Durant needs to wait a year, but with the improvements he's made, he's earned a place.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
G Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz
C Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
EASTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
SI CONSENSUS PICKS
Dwyane Wade
Ian Thomsen: Dwyane Wade. He is a smaller version of Michael Jordan -- scoring, passing, defending and carrying his overmatched Heat to the playoffs all by himself. Wade is up there with LeBron and Kobe in talent, drive and leadership. As the league's hardest-working star, he's a role model for all young players.
Jack McCallum: Dwyane Wade. Let's see, where would Miami be without Wade? Right where it was last season -- in the basement. I can't see him beating out LeBron in the MVP race, but night after night no one in the league has more weight on his shoulders than this guy.
Chris Mannix: Dwyane Wade. The battered, bruised and beaten-down Wade disappeared with last season; this is the Wade everyone remembers. The NBA's leading scorer is in MVP form.
Steve Aschburner: Dwyane Wade. In a world that savors one-on-one competition -- Microsoft vs. Apple, Coke vs. Pepsi, Kobe vs. LeBron -- Wade makes it very cool to be No. 3.
Paul Forrester: Dwyane Wade. With a healthy Wade, the Heat have already won seven more games than they did all of last season. If not for that guy in Cleveland, Wade would be the front-runner for MVP.
Devin Harris
Ian Thomsen: Devin Harris. Surprise! He's a star in progress, but a star nonetheless. Harris can get to the basket against anybody, and it will be interesting to see the plays he creates on the move in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Devin Harris. The kid with the warp speed has improved dramatically. Along with his offensive production, he stays in front of opposing guards when he's on D.
Chris Mannix: Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks. Does anyone else wonder what might have been if Boston had included Kedrick Brown (whom Phoenix wanted) instead of Johnson in the 2002 trade for Rodney Rogers? The Hawks' recent skid hurts, but Johnson is the primary reason they are in the hunt for home-court advantage in the first round.
Steve Aschburner: Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets. Hey, there's no fighting city hall; fans love this guy. Besides, the further from the spotlight he gets, the more I like his game, too.
Paul Forrester: Devin Harris. Would the Mavs would be in a fight for their playoff lives if they had kept Harris instead of helping fast-forward the Nets' rebuilding effort?
LeBron James
Ian Thomsen: LeBron James. His numbers are down a bit but his influence has never been more impressive. There are no true stars around James and yet the Cavs are challenging for the league's best record. LeBron and Kobe are dueling for the MVP. Is This LeBron's Year: the background theme for All-Star weekend.
Jack McCallum: LeBron James. He's the midseason MVP and, barring injury, he'll be the end-of-the-season MVP. That Oscar Robertson triple-double-for-the-season is probably unreachable but if anyone could do it in the future ...
Chris Mannix: LeBron James. Do we really need to explain this? If David Stern can get an early-bird rate from the engravers, he should just have them etch James' name on the MVP trophy today.
Steve Aschburner: LeBron James. In hopes that it might persuade him to stay, the Cavs might buy naming ("LBJ Weekend") and permanent hosting rights to All-Star weekend. Or the NBA might just decree it anyway.
Paul Forrester: LeBron James. Occasional move to power forward this season has allowed the game's best player to use every bit of his 6-foot-8, 250-pound frame.
Kevin Garnett
Ian Thomsen: Kevin Garnett. He's become a lightning rod for rival fans who loathe his yappiness and on-all-fours intensity. KG should use Phoenix to laugh at himself and satirize his own antics (as Shaq has done over the years).
Jack McCallum: Kevin Garnett. There's a certain cancel-each-other-out factor between KG and teammate Paul Pierce. But one of them has to start, and I'm going with a guy who shoots better than 50 percent, grabs almost 10 rebounds and sets the tone defensively for Boston.
Chris Mannix: Kevin Garnett. This spot comes down to which Celtic you think is more deserving. Is it Garnett, the backbone of the defense and a low-post menace? Or is it Paul Pierce, the leading scorer and go-to guy down the stretch? I'm going with KG, the more complete player.
Steve Aschburner: Kevin Garnett. For a true snapshot of Garnett's lippy, chippy season so far, he should show up in Phoenix, clap annoyingly in each Western Conference player's face, then get down on all fours in mock defensive intensity.
Paul Forrester: Kevin Garnett. The numbers make us want to say Danny Granger, but Garnett's impact in keeping the Celtics focused and among the best defensive teams in the league deserves to be rewarded.
Dwight Howard
Ian Thomsen: Dwight Howard. The lone All-Star center in his conference, Howard should be among the MVP finalists. At 23, his game is still developing, but he has already come a long way as Orlando's leader defensively. Will block a half-dozen shots minimum in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Dwight Howard. One of three absolute Eastern no-brainers (guess the other two) with no center within a mile of him. We're coming close to the time that we have to consider the Magic a legit contender, and Howard, who leads the league in rebounding, blocked shots and apparent fun-having, is the primary reason.
Chris Mannix: Dwight Howard. Again with the explanations. Let's see, Howard has an overpowering inside game and advance scouts tell me all the time that his defense is getting better by the game. That's scary.
Steve Aschburner: Dwight Howard. How unspoiled is this guy that he wants to "defend" his slam-dunk title? Someone needs to enroll the Magic's strongman in Superstar 101.
Paul Forrester: Dwight Howard. The Magic have built a legit Finals contender around Howard. Imagine how good he'll be with more polish on his offensive game.
EASTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen:
Chris Bosh plays occasionally at center, so I'm shifting him from power forward to fill the hole. The easiest decision was to include Danny Granger. He belongs on the floor with the bigger names and fans will finally get to see why. Rashard Lewis makes it as the No. 2 scorer of the contending Magic. The hardest choice involved the four emerging point guards -- Rajon Rondo, Jameer Nelson and Mo Williams (representing the three Eastern powers) and explosive rookie Derrick Rose. But none deserved to beat out Ray Allen, the near-MVP of the 2008 All-Star Game who is having himself an even better season this year.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
G Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Jack McCallum:
It would've been nice to give the emerging Danny Granger a starting spot, but his Pacers are too far back to justify it. Joe Johnson and Jameer Nelson can both lay claim to that other guard spot beside Wade, but I went with Devin Harris. It's weird not to include a Piston, but Allen Iverson has messed up that team just enough that neither Rip Hamilton nor Tayshaun Prince makes it. Andre Igoudala is there as a nod to the 76ers' recent hot streak. Antawn Jamison has been better than his teammate Caron Butler in a long season in Washington.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
F Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Chris Mannix:
Who deserves three spots -- Boston or Orlando? Does a player carrying a losing team warrant a spot over a major contributor on a winning team? What to do at backup center? These questions plagued me during the selection process. Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are my two fence-sitters, but I'm going to nudge Lewis over it based on a higher scoring average (19.1 to Allen's 17.9) and because of how impressive Lewis and the Magic were in beating up on the West big boys recently. Devin Harris misses out because I decided to reward a player listed at center on the All-Star ballot (Emeka Okafor) rather than slide Chris Bosh into that spot.
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
G Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
F Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic
C Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats
Steve Aschburner:
So I've got the East's top seven scorers on my squad. But I've also got four players from losing teams, which goes against the trendy grain these days and also bucks the way the league's coaches select reserves. Too bad -- there are only six East teams over .500 from which to choose. I'm going with Chris Bosh as a center; otherwise, it's Charlotte's Emeka Okafor. Toughest call: Ray Allen over Rajon Rondo. I went with "star power" and the need for outside shooting over another point guard.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets
G Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Paul Forrester:
Paul Pierce and Chris Bosh are no-brainers, much as Danny Granger should be for anyone who has been watching his emergence. With the other selections, I tried to reward a few players whose importance is often overlooked. Rajon Rondo and Jameer Nelson may defer to better scorers on their respective teams, but their ability to contribute on the offensive end has opened the floor for their more celebrated teammates. The toughest inclusion was Josh Smith, who gets rewarded for his more discerning shooting eye and the fact that someone with his physical talents is made for the All-Star Game.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
The fans' selections for All-Star Game starters will be revealed Thursday night. The coaches' reserve choices -- they select two guards, two forwards, one center and two wild-card picks, and don't necessarily have to vote for players at the position at which they're listed on the official All-Star ballot -- will be announced Jan. 29. Which players deserve a trip to Phoenix for the Feb. 15 midseason showcase? SI.com's NBA writers make their picks. (All stats and records are through Tuesday.)
WESTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
SI CONSENSUS PICKS
Kobe Bryant
Ian Thomsen: Kobe Bryant. The reigning MVP is having a remarkably quiet, dissent-free year. How can a guy average 27 points (with the best shooting percentage of his career) and appear to be pacing himself for the playoffs? He's struck a healthy rhythm with his teammates, which is too bad for everyone else.
Jack McCallum: Kobe Bryant. He goes off on shoot-first tangents once in a while -- that's just Kobe being Kobe -- but he seems to realize that he is the linchpin of the league's deepest team. His willingness to make teammates like Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza better makes the Lakers better.
Chris Mannix: Kobe Bryant. How tough is Bryant? After dislocating the ring finger on his right hand against Cleveland, he is now playing with two mangled fingers on his shooting hand. Not just playing, either. Dominating. Bryant may not win a second straight MVP award, but he is still the most skilled player in the NBA.
Steve Aschburner: Kobe Bryant. Time flies: Bryant has been in the league as long as Michael Jordan was (13 seasons). And who can forget the 1998 All-Star Game in New York, where the precocious Bryant waved a cranky Karl Malone off a pick-and-roll to go at Jordan one-on-one.
Paul Forrester: Kobe Bryant. After a slow start by his standards, the Kobe we all know has gradually made his return, increasing his scoring average each month this season.
Chris Paul
Ian Thomsen: Chris Paul. He continues to keep New Orleans in contention for home-court advantage in the crowded West. The Hornets need him to dominate the ball, so the fun part will be watching him play without the ball in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Chris Paul. No one is doing his job better than Paul, who has the ball in his hands more than anyone and ranks second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Chris Mannix: Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets. Think I'll catch some heat for this pick? Bring it on. Chris Paul is the more obvious pick and Steve Nash is still a worthy choice, but my vote goes to the player who has single-handedly salvaged a team tagged for demolition.
Steve Aschburner: Chris Paul. I went with Dwyane Wade and Vince Carter as my starting guards in the East. There needs to be one pure point guard among the All-Star starting backcourts, don't ya think?
Paul Forrester: Chris Paul. It's clear the fourth-year point guard isn't just putting together a playing résumé akin to Isiah Thomas'; he's putting together a career better than Zeke's.
Dirk Nowitzki
Ian Thomsen: Dirk Nowitzki. He's scoring like he used to, and after all these years he's still only 30. But the Mavs still haven't created a new identity around him and Jason Kidd, and it's going to take all of Nowitzki's fight to make the playoffs. At least he can relax in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Dirk Nowitzki. Admit it: We've written off the 2007 MVP a little, haven't we? Well, the guy is as good as ever. He's playing big minutes and hitting big shots, and he's the reason you can't completely count out the Mavs.
Chris Mannix: Dirk Nowitzki. His production is similar to his 2006-07 MVP season, and his scoring is at a three-year high. He gets the nod over the Suns' Amaré Stoudemire.
Steve Aschburner: Dirk Nowitzki. Eleven seasons in, his scoring, shooting and minutes this season all are higher than his career averages. Like Tim Duncan, he makes consistency exciting, just from farther out on the floor.
Paul Forrester: Dirk Nowitzki. It's a shame his playoff failures have obscured how good the 11-year veteran is. Nowitzki is on track to average at least 21.8 points and 8.6 rebounds for the ninth consecutive season.
Tim Duncan
Ian Thomsen: Tim Duncan. Don't ignore this guy. He's averaging 20 and 10 now, which means he'll be good for 26 and 14 in the playoffs -- and even more in the biggest games.
Jack McCallum: Tim Duncan. Is there anything new to say about this guy? He held the Spurs together through an early injury epidemic.
Chris Mannix: Tim Duncan. A no-brainer. For what feels like the 36th straight season, Duncan has positioned the Spurs as a contender for the NBA title.
Steve Aschburner: Tim Duncan. Maybe this will be the year that Duncan unveils his wicked crossover, tosses a few set-up passes behind his back, soars in for a 360-degree slam and mugs for the worldwide audience in this entertainment-first event. Uh, maybe not.
Paul Forrester: Tim Duncan. Ho-hum, another terrific season for the game's most consistently excellent player.
Yao Ming
Ian Thomsen: Yao Ming. His numbers are down slightly, but Yao is maintaining his health (despite his unique Olympic burdens last summer) and he has never shown more leadership while keeping the Rockets in contention amid injuries to Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest and Shane Battier.
Jack McCallum: Yao Ming. As long as he stays healthy, pencil him in for the next half-dozen years. Along with being a near 20-10 guy, you can't foul him late (as you can Shaquille O'Neal) because he hits 86.2 percent of his free throws.
Chris Mannix: Yao Ming. Remember when everyone thought Yao was the Rocket who was going to break down? Instead, it has been everyone else. Yao has missed only one game this season.
Steve Aschburner: Yao Ming. Look, the world has enough troubles right now without unduly irritating all the mouse-clicking fans in China who expect to see Yao as the West starter again.
Paul Forrester: Yao Ming. Injuries have forced the Rockets to use 14 starting lineups this season, but Yao has been one of the few constants.
WESTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen:
Shaq makes it not just on legacy but on merit. Pau Gasol is among the league's most efficient big men across the board. The impossible choice involves Steve Nash, whose scoring is down through no fault of his own, as he has been quarterbacking Phoenix through its coaching transition while creating shots for Shaq and Jason Richardson as well as Amaré Stoudemire and Grant Hill. Nash rates behind Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker statistically and in the team standings, but there is no right answer when choosing which one to leave out.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
G Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
C Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
Jack McCallum:
I wrestled with starting either Amaré Stoudemire or Pau Gasol for Dirk Nowitzki, but neither has the nightly responsibility of the Mav. Three Suns among reserves is a lot, but tell me Steve Nash doesn't belong and Shaq, besides having an excellent season, must be there for entertainment value. Tracy McGrady may get voted in as a starter, but he's not on my team. It's hard not to have a Jazz representative, but they've had too many injuries and too much inconsistency, though Paul Millsap would've been the best candidate.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
C Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
C Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
Chris Mannix:
Timberwolves center Al Jefferson loses out to the Hornets' David West because the latter plays for a contender. I'm excluding Steve Nash even though the game is being played in his home city. That's no knock against Nash, who is having an All-Star-caliber season. But one of my starting guards, Chauncey Billups, has been a franchise-changer, Chris Paul has to be on the team and Tony Parker is putting up better numbers for a better team. Leaving one of them off for what would only be a PR move just isn't right.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
F David West, New Orleans Hornets
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
C Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns
Steve Aschburner:
Gotta have Steve Nash -- the game's in Phoenix. No Amaré Stoudemire? I'm taking Manu Ginobili (making the Spurs the only West club with two All-Stars) because he's a living, breathing model of team-first focus on a day when that value gets trampled. See, kids, you can be a sub and still be an All-Star. Stoudemire often seems 180 degrees from that. Kevin Durant is ready for his national close-up, and Al Jefferson has been the best center, day in, day out, in the West. Besides, Shaq's more fun to watch all duded up on the sidelines.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
G Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
C Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
Paul Forrester:
No Steve Nash? Right. Not when his numbers are down and the competition is tough. Al Jefferson almost earned my starting nod at center; he deserves his first All-Star berth. The importance of Brandon Roy, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups and Amaré Stoudemire to their teams is self-evident. Paul Millsap has become a force in Utah in replacing an injured Carlos Boozer in the starting lineup. Some might think Kevin Durant needs to wait a year, but with the improvements he's made, he's earned a place.
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
G Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
F Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz
C Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
EASTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
SI CONSENSUS PICKS
Dwyane Wade
Ian Thomsen: Dwyane Wade. He is a smaller version of Michael Jordan -- scoring, passing, defending and carrying his overmatched Heat to the playoffs all by himself. Wade is up there with LeBron and Kobe in talent, drive and leadership. As the league's hardest-working star, he's a role model for all young players.
Jack McCallum: Dwyane Wade. Let's see, where would Miami be without Wade? Right where it was last season -- in the basement. I can't see him beating out LeBron in the MVP race, but night after night no one in the league has more weight on his shoulders than this guy.
Chris Mannix: Dwyane Wade. The battered, bruised and beaten-down Wade disappeared with last season; this is the Wade everyone remembers. The NBA's leading scorer is in MVP form.
Steve Aschburner: Dwyane Wade. In a world that savors one-on-one competition -- Microsoft vs. Apple, Coke vs. Pepsi, Kobe vs. LeBron -- Wade makes it very cool to be No. 3.
Paul Forrester: Dwyane Wade. With a healthy Wade, the Heat have already won seven more games than they did all of last season. If not for that guy in Cleveland, Wade would be the front-runner for MVP.
Devin Harris
Ian Thomsen: Devin Harris. Surprise! He's a star in progress, but a star nonetheless. Harris can get to the basket against anybody, and it will be interesting to see the plays he creates on the move in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Devin Harris. The kid with the warp speed has improved dramatically. Along with his offensive production, he stays in front of opposing guards when he's on D.
Chris Mannix: Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks. Does anyone else wonder what might have been if Boston had included Kedrick Brown (whom Phoenix wanted) instead of Johnson in the 2002 trade for Rodney Rogers? The Hawks' recent skid hurts, but Johnson is the primary reason they are in the hunt for home-court advantage in the first round.
Steve Aschburner: Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets. Hey, there's no fighting city hall; fans love this guy. Besides, the further from the spotlight he gets, the more I like his game, too.
Paul Forrester: Devin Harris. Would the Mavs would be in a fight for their playoff lives if they had kept Harris instead of helping fast-forward the Nets' rebuilding effort?
LeBron James
Ian Thomsen: LeBron James. His numbers are down a bit but his influence has never been more impressive. There are no true stars around James and yet the Cavs are challenging for the league's best record. LeBron and Kobe are dueling for the MVP. Is This LeBron's Year: the background theme for All-Star weekend.
Jack McCallum: LeBron James. He's the midseason MVP and, barring injury, he'll be the end-of-the-season MVP. That Oscar Robertson triple-double-for-the-season is probably unreachable but if anyone could do it in the future ...
Chris Mannix: LeBron James. Do we really need to explain this? If David Stern can get an early-bird rate from the engravers, he should just have them etch James' name on the MVP trophy today.
Steve Aschburner: LeBron James. In hopes that it might persuade him to stay, the Cavs might buy naming ("LBJ Weekend") and permanent hosting rights to All-Star weekend. Or the NBA might just decree it anyway.
Paul Forrester: LeBron James. Occasional move to power forward this season has allowed the game's best player to use every bit of his 6-foot-8, 250-pound frame.
Kevin Garnett
Ian Thomsen: Kevin Garnett. He's become a lightning rod for rival fans who loathe his yappiness and on-all-fours intensity. KG should use Phoenix to laugh at himself and satirize his own antics (as Shaq has done over the years).
Jack McCallum: Kevin Garnett. There's a certain cancel-each-other-out factor between KG and teammate Paul Pierce. But one of them has to start, and I'm going with a guy who shoots better than 50 percent, grabs almost 10 rebounds and sets the tone defensively for Boston.
Chris Mannix: Kevin Garnett. This spot comes down to which Celtic you think is more deserving. Is it Garnett, the backbone of the defense and a low-post menace? Or is it Paul Pierce, the leading scorer and go-to guy down the stretch? I'm going with KG, the more complete player.
Steve Aschburner: Kevin Garnett. For a true snapshot of Garnett's lippy, chippy season so far, he should show up in Phoenix, clap annoyingly in each Western Conference player's face, then get down on all fours in mock defensive intensity.
Paul Forrester: Kevin Garnett. The numbers make us want to say Danny Granger, but Garnett's impact in keeping the Celtics focused and among the best defensive teams in the league deserves to be rewarded.
Dwight Howard
Ian Thomsen: Dwight Howard. The lone All-Star center in his conference, Howard should be among the MVP finalists. At 23, his game is still developing, but he has already come a long way as Orlando's leader defensively. Will block a half-dozen shots minimum in Phoenix.
Jack McCallum: Dwight Howard. One of three absolute Eastern no-brainers (guess the other two) with no center within a mile of him. We're coming close to the time that we have to consider the Magic a legit contender, and Howard, who leads the league in rebounding, blocked shots and apparent fun-having, is the primary reason.
Chris Mannix: Dwight Howard. Again with the explanations. Let's see, Howard has an overpowering inside game and advance scouts tell me all the time that his defense is getting better by the game. That's scary.
Steve Aschburner: Dwight Howard. How unspoiled is this guy that he wants to "defend" his slam-dunk title? Someone needs to enroll the Magic's strongman in Superstar 101.
Paul Forrester: Dwight Howard. The Magic have built a legit Finals contender around Howard. Imagine how good he'll be with more polish on his offensive game.
EASTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen:
Chris Bosh plays occasionally at center, so I'm shifting him from power forward to fill the hole. The easiest decision was to include Danny Granger. He belongs on the floor with the bigger names and fans will finally get to see why. Rashard Lewis makes it as the No. 2 scorer of the contending Magic. The hardest choice involved the four emerging point guards -- Rajon Rondo, Jameer Nelson and Mo Williams (representing the three Eastern powers) and explosive rookie Derrick Rose. But none deserved to beat out Ray Allen, the near-MVP of the 2008 All-Star Game who is having himself an even better season this year.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
G Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Jack McCallum:
It would've been nice to give the emerging Danny Granger a starting spot, but his Pacers are too far back to justify it. Joe Johnson and Jameer Nelson can both lay claim to that other guard spot beside Wade, but I went with Devin Harris. It's weird not to include a Piston, but Allen Iverson has messed up that team just enough that neither Rip Hamilton nor Tayshaun Prince makes it. Andre Igoudala is there as a nod to the 76ers' recent hot streak. Antawn Jamison has been better than his teammate Caron Butler in a long season in Washington.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
F Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Chris Mannix:
Who deserves three spots -- Boston or Orlando? Does a player carrying a losing team warrant a spot over a major contributor on a winning team? What to do at backup center? These questions plagued me during the selection process. Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are my two fence-sitters, but I'm going to nudge Lewis over it based on a higher scoring average (19.1 to Allen's 17.9) and because of how impressive Lewis and the Magic were in beating up on the West big boys recently. Devin Harris misses out because I decided to reward a player listed at center on the All-Star ballot (Emeka Okafor) rather than slide Chris Bosh into that spot.
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
G Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
F Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic
C Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats
Steve Aschburner:
So I've got the East's top seven scorers on my squad. But I've also got four players from losing teams, which goes against the trendy grain these days and also bucks the way the league's coaches select reserves. Too bad -- there are only six East teams over .500 from which to choose. I'm going with Chris Bosh as a center; otherwise, it's Charlotte's Emeka Okafor. Toughest call: Ray Allen over Rajon Rondo. I went with "star power" and the need for outside shooting over another point guard.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets
G Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Paul Forrester:
Paul Pierce and Chris Bosh are no-brainers, much as Danny Granger should be for anyone who has been watching his emergence. With the other selections, I tried to reward a few players whose importance is often overlooked. Rajon Rondo and Jameer Nelson may defer to better scorers on their respective teams, but their ability to contribute on the offensive end has opened the floor for their more celebrated teammates. The toughest inclusion was Josh Smith, who gets rewarded for his more discerning shooting eye and the fact that someone with his physical talents is made for the All-Star Game.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
F Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
C Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors