duncan228
01-20-2010, 05:44 PM
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SI.com's NBA All-Star Picks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/01/20/west.all.star.picks/index.html)
The fans' selections for All-Star Game starters will be revealed Thursday night. The coaches' reserve choices will be announced Jan. 28. Which players deserve a trip to Dallas for the Feb. 14 midseason showcase? Four SI.com NBA writers make their picks below. For the starting lineup, the writers chose players at the position at which they're listed on the official ballot. For reserves, writers were given more leeway -- -- just as the coaches are in rounding out the rosters with two guards, two forwards, a center and two wild-card picks. (All stats and records are through Tuesday.)
WESTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
GUARD
Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers
11 career All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG SPG
28.3 5.2 4.5 1.8
Ian Thomsen: Kobe Bryant. The ruthlessness that used to be viewed as Bryant's weakness is now acclaimed as the source of strength that drives the Lakers to defend their championship. For years it was assumed that he couldn't lead a team, but now his teammates thrive in his shadow. It's a close race for MVP with LeBron James, but Bryant has earned the early lead by keeping the Lakers No. 1 while making sense of Ron Artest's arrival and Pau Gasol's absences.
Jack McCallum: Kobe Bryant. Broken finger. Back spasms. Fatigue. The man just plays on and on and on. All-Star weekend will offer the predictable opportunity for endless would-you-rather-have-Kobe-or-LeBron stories, but until the Cav has fingers on his rings, make mine Mamba.
Chris Mannix: Kobe Bryant. No debate here as Bryant retains his title as the most dominant two-guard in the league. How good is he as a closer? The Lakers have led going into the fourth quarter 31 times this season. They haven't lost yet.
Paul Forrester: Kobe Bryant. Like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson before him, Kobe gets the starting nod here until he decides he doesn't want it. Even more impressive than Kobe's on-court accomplishments is the complete career rehab he has made since his sexual-assault case six years ago.
Steve Nash
Phoenix Suns
5 All-Star appearances
PPG APG FG% FT%
18.7 11.1 53.8 94.2
Ian Thomsen: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers' horrid run of injuries has forced Roy to confront and reveal his potential, not only as a top 10 scorer but also as a calming leader who has kept his young team in the playoff race while trying to find a place in the offense for newcomer Andre Miller. If the Blazers can place enough firepower around him, he now looks like capable of leading them to a championship someday.
Jack McCallum: Steve Nash. Oh, this is a tough one. I'll take Nash over the Hornets' Chris Paul based mainly on the fact that Paul missed eight games with his ankle injury. And you know what? Deron Williams or Jason Kidd could run your All-Star team pretty well, too, and one of them doesn't even make my squad.
Chris Mannix: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns. His numbers are virtually identical to what he put up during his two MVP seasons -- how can he not be the starter? Chris Paul gives him a run, but the injury absence cost him.
Paul Forrester: Steve Nash. Incredibly, Nash has dialed up the best offense of his career at age 35. That's in addition to operating the league's highest-scoring attack.
FORWARD
Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks
8 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FG%
25.5 8.0 2.6 47.8
Ian Thomsen: Dirk Nowitzki. He is approaching the high standard of his 2006-07 MVP season. Nowitzki has positioned the Mavericks to become the No. 2 team in the West while draining those unguardable fadeaways from the top of the key and beyond.
Jack McCallum: Dirk Nowitzki. He gets any kind of look at the basket and I think it's going in. Period. Nowitzki remains limited defensively, but he's still the choice in a really crowded position.
Chris Mannix: Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets. 'Melo staves off a hard-charging Kevin Durant for this spot. Dwight Howard sold me on this one; Howard said recently that if forced to choose among Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, he's taking Carmelo.
Paul Forrester: Dirk Nowitzki. He may not be the vocal leader many seem to want him to be, but he's quietly taken greater responsibility for the Mavericks' mind-set, chastising teammates for taking bad shots and running the wrong plays.
Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs
11 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG BPG FG%
20.0 10.4 1.9 55.2
Ian Thomsen: Tim Duncan. The steadiest star of the new millennium, Duncan lost weight over the summer without diminishing his bottom line. As impressive as it is to see him continue to fill every column of the box score, it is his 3.1 assists per game that showcases his exceptional talent for coming to the aid of teammates. At 33, he is a marvel.
Jack McCallum: Tim Duncan. As usual, it's easy to forget about Mr. Fundamental. But he's so consistently good that he consigns the league's leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony, to the bench.
Chris Mannix: Tim Duncan. Tons of competition for this spot (most notably Dirk Nowitzki), but this has been a renaissance year for Duncan, whose scoring and shooting percentage are both up from last season even though he's playing less.
Paul Forrester: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder. Guess we and a few others were wrong about that whole Greg Oden debate, eh? Durant has upped his numbers across the board while also sparking the turnaround of a defense that ranks second in opponents' field-goal shooting.
CENTER
Amar'e Stoudemire
Phoenix Suns
4 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG BPG FG%
20.8 8.8 0.8 56.1
Ian Thomsen: Amar'e Stoudemire. He leads surprising Phoenix in points, rebounds and shooting percentage in pursuit of a new contract. With Yao Ming sidelined and Tim Duncan listed as a forward, Stoudemire becomes the only center with star appeal in the West -- albeit as a power forward who has morphed to the pivot. When Shaq looks back over his shoulder, he surely cannot believe what has become of his old conference.
Jack McCallum: Amar'e Stoudemire. The Suns' man-child has been solid as he puts together his fourth consecutive season of at least 20 points and eight rebounds. He's also improved his defense, though why he is not a truly formidable shot-blocker remains a mystery.
Chris Mannix: Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers. I had no choice but to vote Duncan as a forward, his position on the ballot; on the other hand, I can choose not to acknowledge Amar'e Stoudemire as a center. Kaman is the best choice here for the West and he's not even on the All-Star ballot. With Blake Griffin sidelined, Kaman has helped keep the Clippers afloat.
Paul Forrester: Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies lead the NBA in points in the paint thanks in part to Gasol, who ranks second in the league in shooting. Pau's little brother has helped balance out a Grizzlies-Lakers trade for which Memphis was lambasted throughout the league.
WESTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen: Welcome to four newcomers: Deron Williams and Kevin Durant are obvious picks; Chris Kaman belongs based on his 20.4 points and 9.4 rebounds (and, yes, I know that pick isn't consistent with my preference for stars on winning teams, but the 18-22 Clippers' recent four-game losing streak had everything to do with Kaman's absence); and Zach Randolph has been a frontcourt leader for the surprising Grizzlies. Those who are more inclinded to select players from losing teams may consider the Warriors' exciting Monta Ellis, but the West coaches are more likely to make room for Pau Gasol, who isn't on my list because of his extended trouble with injuries.
G Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
Jack McCallum: Players such as Carlos Boozer, Jason Kidd and Rudy Gay didn't make my roster, and all of them might've been All-Stars in the East. Plus, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant can make a case to start. Pau Gasol might've made it had he not missed so many games with a hamstring injury, and his younger brother, Marc, wouldn't have been a bad backup pick. Zach Randolph, previously a candidate only for the all-knucklehead team, and Chris Kaman, who was injured most of last season, are having great years.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Mannix: Only one Laker? I know, but who could Pau Gasol replace? Kevin Durant? He is a fraction of a point away from being the NBA scoring leader. Amar'e Stoudemire? He's having a similar statistical season to Gasol but has played in 18 more games, and I need him at center. Zach Randolph? He's the biggest reason for Memphis' turnaround. Carlos Boozer (19.0 points, 10.6 rebounds in 41 games) might have a stronger case to make than Gasol, but both are victims of the West's frontcourt depth.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Amar'e Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
Paul Forrester: Chris Paul is a given, and Deron Williams should be as well. Brandon Roy has kept the injury-plagued Blazers together and remains the best off-guard in the West not named Kobe. Tyreke Evans, the Rookie of the Year favorite, has fast-forwarded the Kings' rebuilding project. Carmelo Anthony seems determined to remind people why he was the No. 3 pick in 2003. Tim Duncan has done more with fewer minutes than Amar'e Stoudemire. It's impossible to ignore how well Randolph has fit in Memphis.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
G Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
*********************
EASTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
GUARD
Dwyane Wade
Miami Heat
5 career All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG SPG
27.2 4.8 6.2 1.9
Ian Thomsen: Dwyane Wade. He isn't quite the intimidating presence he was last year, but let's not take Wade for granted: He leads Miami in points, assists, steals and, at 6-foot-4, ranks No. 2 in blocks. No guard in the East comes close to rivaling his impact.
Jack McCallum: Dwyane Wade. There's an undesirable part of Wade's game that I've just begun to really notice: He's a bad three-point shooter (29.2 percent) and he probably takes too many of them (3.3 per game). But if he stays in one piece -- that's a big if -- he's a guaranteed All-Star for at least the next half-dozen years.
Chris Mannix: Dwyane Wade. Wade's numbers have dipped slightly across the board from last season, but his body continues to hold up (he hasn't missed a game) and he is still a one-man force propping up Miami in the playoff race.
Paul Forrester: Dwyane Wade. If his high production is a step down from last year's otherworldly numbers, the Heat will gladly take it. Along with LeBron, Wade is the only player in the 2010 free-agent class who can single-handedly turn around a franchise.
Joe Johnson
Atlanta Hawks
3 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FT%
21.3 4.9 4.8 83.3
Ian Thomsen: Joe Johnson. So controversial was the expensive 2005 sign-and-trade for Johnson that it fractured the Hawks' ownership, leading to a court fight that has yet to be resolved. But Johnson's $70 million contract was a strong investment. His leadership skills have improved each year, culminating (for the moment) in the underfunded Hawks' rise to No. 3 in the East. Johnson creates for others but isn't afraid to take and make the biggest shots himself. A real star.
Jack McCallum: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics. You think it was easy becoming a leader with personalities as strong as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett around? Plus, the kid's a terrific defender, not that that means anything in an All-Star Game.
Chris Mannix: Joe Johnson. The most overlooked superstar in the league -- and I don't care how many times we say it, it's still true -- is having his usual productive season. The difference is that Atlanta, with Jamal Crawford coming off the bench, is now a legitimate title contender. Johnson deserves recognition for that.
Paul Forrester: Rajon Rondo. Rondo's growing leadership, along with his play at both ends of the court, has kept the Celtics running relatively smoothly while nagging injuries have scrambled the rest of the lineup. Boston's Big Three now has a fourth.
FORWARD
LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FG%
29.6 7.2 7.8 51.0
Ian Thomsen: LeBron James. He continues to lead at both ends of the floor, shooting a career-high percentage from the field and helping the Cavs rank No. 3 in field-goal defense. James and Kobe Bryant will be fighting over the MVP award again, followed possibly by a best-of-seven series for the most important trophy of them all.
Jack McCallum: LeBron James. If James ever plays for a team on which he can get his scoring down to, say, 23 a game so he can truly become a point guard in the Magic mold, he could come close to the Oscar Robertson triple-double-season standard.
Chris Mannix: LeBron James. It seems almost effortless for him to put together that stat line. Now if he would only enter the dunk contest ...
Paul Forrester: LeBron James. Kobe may be better in the clutch, but no one has a greater impact on a game than the reigning MVP. And to think he hasn't even hit his prime.
Chris Bosh
Toronto Raptors
3 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FG%
23.8 11.1 2.0 52.3
Ian Thomsen: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics. Chris Bosh has the better numbers, but consider this: For 11 months now, Pierce has been driving the depleted Celtics (without a healthy Kevin Garnett) to remain the No. 2 team in the East. He is a gamer true to the Celtics' tradition, whether helping to guard the best opponent, creating for teammates or taking on the big plays. Garnett will earn more votes from fans and Bosh will do better in fantasy leagues, but neither star deserves to start ahead of Pierce this year.
Jack McCallum: Chris Bosh. He probably wouldn't be starting if Kevin Garnett had been healthy, but he's a reliable scorer and gets every rebound he should, so he's a deserving choice. But why can't I love him with my whole heart? Maybe he needs to pop somebody with an elbow once in a while.
Chris Mannix: Chris Bosh. Bosh was already good. Contract-year Bosh is better. He leads the league in double-doubles (30) and his numbers are up in virtually every major offensive category.
Paul Forrester: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks. He's finally stopped trying to be a three-point shooter and is focusing on his strengths: driving into the paint, working the offensive glass and wreaking havoc on defense. It's why the Hawks have graduated from wannabe to actual contender.
CENTER
Dwight Howard
Orlando Magic
3 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG BPG FG%
17.0 13.1 2.5 60.5
Ian Thomsen: Dwight Howard. He has been attempting three fewer shots per game while making room in the offense for Vince Carter, but Howard continues to be the league's dominating presence in the paint and on the boards while keeping Orlando within reach of a return to the NBA Finals. Unless Yao Ming makes an Ilgauskas-like recovery from his latest foot surgery to create a rivalry, the 24-year-old Howard looks like he'll be the NBA's No. 1 center well into his 30s.
Jack McCallum: Dwight Howard. He may be the most limited offensive player in history who's fun to watch, which isn't, I suppose, much of a compliment. But this much is certain: Besides LeBron and Kobe in the West, Howard is the easiest starting pick.
Chris Mannix: Dwight Howard. Even if Howard didn't score -- and his numbers are down from last season as he tries to figure out how to play with Vince Carter -- he's a shoo-in for defense alone. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year leads the NBA in rebounds, blocks, and where-is-he? looks from penetrating guards (too many to count).
Paul Forrester: Dwight Howard. He may not enjoy the nightly muggings from opponents, but Howard should take it as a measure of respect -- and desperation -- other teams feel when facing him. Once he starts countering those measures more than complaining about them, the league is in for even more trouble.
EASTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen: The toughest decisions included omitting Kevin Garnett, who has been either sidelined by or recovering from knee injuries, and choosing Ray Allen over Vince Carter (doomed by his 38.6 percent shooting). Rajon Rondo is a sure thing as the best point guard in the East, while Josh Smith and Gerald Wallace are more than worthy. With 11 franchises near or below .500 -- I have a hard time awarding players from losing teams -- this becomes the weakest All-Star team I can remember. Chris Bosh is the only reserve who could compete for a spot in the superior conference.
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
G Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
G Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
F Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
F Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
C Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Jack McCallum: No Kevin Garnett? Too many injuries. I never thought I'd be putting Josh Smith on an All-Star team, but his talent seems at last to have surpassed his wildness. Antawn Jamison is probably the least-known productive player of the last decade, Gerald Wallace has the Bobcats above .500 and David Lee has gone to the next level. It hurts not to put Shaq on this team, but he is dividing the Cavs' center position with Zydrunas Ilgauskas. I know the fans want Allen Iverson to start, but I'd rather see rookie Brandon Jennings (who admittedly has struggled lately).
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
F Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
C David Lee, New York Knicks
Chris Mannix: Paul Pierce has been Paul Pierce, KG's All-Star status has never been about the numbers and Rajon Rondo's dynamic offensive season nudges him past Ray Allen on Boston's depth chart. Gerald Wallace's scoring (18.5 points) and spike in rebounding (up nearly four per game from last season, to 11.3) earn him a spot. David Lee is too consistent to overlook. Al Horford gets a nod for manning the middle on a division leader.
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
F David Lee, New York Knicks
F Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
C Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Paul Forrester: Chris Bosh was the hardest name to leave off the starting squad, but Josh Smith has had a greater impact with the Hawks, who still will go as far as Joe Johnson takes them. Antawn Jamison hasn't saved the Wizards, but he's been a model stretch power forward while offering a sane voice in the Washington wilderness. Speaking of sanity, any All-Star game without Paul Pierce may not have any. Gerald Wallace is finally seeing his underrated efforts go toward a playoff push in Charlotte. David Lee shows up every night for the Knicks. Derrick Rose has gradually regained the form that he showed in last season's playoffs against the Celtics.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
F Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
F Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
C David Lee, New York Knicks
SI.com's NBA All-Star Picks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/01/20/west.all.star.picks/index.html)
The fans' selections for All-Star Game starters will be revealed Thursday night. The coaches' reserve choices will be announced Jan. 28. Which players deserve a trip to Dallas for the Feb. 14 midseason showcase? Four SI.com NBA writers make their picks below. For the starting lineup, the writers chose players at the position at which they're listed on the official ballot. For reserves, writers were given more leeway -- -- just as the coaches are in rounding out the rosters with two guards, two forwards, a center and two wild-card picks. (All stats and records are through Tuesday.)
WESTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
GUARD
Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers
11 career All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG SPG
28.3 5.2 4.5 1.8
Ian Thomsen: Kobe Bryant. The ruthlessness that used to be viewed as Bryant's weakness is now acclaimed as the source of strength that drives the Lakers to defend their championship. For years it was assumed that he couldn't lead a team, but now his teammates thrive in his shadow. It's a close race for MVP with LeBron James, but Bryant has earned the early lead by keeping the Lakers No. 1 while making sense of Ron Artest's arrival and Pau Gasol's absences.
Jack McCallum: Kobe Bryant. Broken finger. Back spasms. Fatigue. The man just plays on and on and on. All-Star weekend will offer the predictable opportunity for endless would-you-rather-have-Kobe-or-LeBron stories, but until the Cav has fingers on his rings, make mine Mamba.
Chris Mannix: Kobe Bryant. No debate here as Bryant retains his title as the most dominant two-guard in the league. How good is he as a closer? The Lakers have led going into the fourth quarter 31 times this season. They haven't lost yet.
Paul Forrester: Kobe Bryant. Like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson before him, Kobe gets the starting nod here until he decides he doesn't want it. Even more impressive than Kobe's on-court accomplishments is the complete career rehab he has made since his sexual-assault case six years ago.
Steve Nash
Phoenix Suns
5 All-Star appearances
PPG APG FG% FT%
18.7 11.1 53.8 94.2
Ian Thomsen: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers' horrid run of injuries has forced Roy to confront and reveal his potential, not only as a top 10 scorer but also as a calming leader who has kept his young team in the playoff race while trying to find a place in the offense for newcomer Andre Miller. If the Blazers can place enough firepower around him, he now looks like capable of leading them to a championship someday.
Jack McCallum: Steve Nash. Oh, this is a tough one. I'll take Nash over the Hornets' Chris Paul based mainly on the fact that Paul missed eight games with his ankle injury. And you know what? Deron Williams or Jason Kidd could run your All-Star team pretty well, too, and one of them doesn't even make my squad.
Chris Mannix: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns. His numbers are virtually identical to what he put up during his two MVP seasons -- how can he not be the starter? Chris Paul gives him a run, but the injury absence cost him.
Paul Forrester: Steve Nash. Incredibly, Nash has dialed up the best offense of his career at age 35. That's in addition to operating the league's highest-scoring attack.
FORWARD
Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks
8 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FG%
25.5 8.0 2.6 47.8
Ian Thomsen: Dirk Nowitzki. He is approaching the high standard of his 2006-07 MVP season. Nowitzki has positioned the Mavericks to become the No. 2 team in the West while draining those unguardable fadeaways from the top of the key and beyond.
Jack McCallum: Dirk Nowitzki. He gets any kind of look at the basket and I think it's going in. Period. Nowitzki remains limited defensively, but he's still the choice in a really crowded position.
Chris Mannix: Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets. 'Melo staves off a hard-charging Kevin Durant for this spot. Dwight Howard sold me on this one; Howard said recently that if forced to choose among Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, he's taking Carmelo.
Paul Forrester: Dirk Nowitzki. He may not be the vocal leader many seem to want him to be, but he's quietly taken greater responsibility for the Mavericks' mind-set, chastising teammates for taking bad shots and running the wrong plays.
Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs
11 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG BPG FG%
20.0 10.4 1.9 55.2
Ian Thomsen: Tim Duncan. The steadiest star of the new millennium, Duncan lost weight over the summer without diminishing his bottom line. As impressive as it is to see him continue to fill every column of the box score, it is his 3.1 assists per game that showcases his exceptional talent for coming to the aid of teammates. At 33, he is a marvel.
Jack McCallum: Tim Duncan. As usual, it's easy to forget about Mr. Fundamental. But he's so consistently good that he consigns the league's leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony, to the bench.
Chris Mannix: Tim Duncan. Tons of competition for this spot (most notably Dirk Nowitzki), but this has been a renaissance year for Duncan, whose scoring and shooting percentage are both up from last season even though he's playing less.
Paul Forrester: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder. Guess we and a few others were wrong about that whole Greg Oden debate, eh? Durant has upped his numbers across the board while also sparking the turnaround of a defense that ranks second in opponents' field-goal shooting.
CENTER
Amar'e Stoudemire
Phoenix Suns
4 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG BPG FG%
20.8 8.8 0.8 56.1
Ian Thomsen: Amar'e Stoudemire. He leads surprising Phoenix in points, rebounds and shooting percentage in pursuit of a new contract. With Yao Ming sidelined and Tim Duncan listed as a forward, Stoudemire becomes the only center with star appeal in the West -- albeit as a power forward who has morphed to the pivot. When Shaq looks back over his shoulder, he surely cannot believe what has become of his old conference.
Jack McCallum: Amar'e Stoudemire. The Suns' man-child has been solid as he puts together his fourth consecutive season of at least 20 points and eight rebounds. He's also improved his defense, though why he is not a truly formidable shot-blocker remains a mystery.
Chris Mannix: Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers. I had no choice but to vote Duncan as a forward, his position on the ballot; on the other hand, I can choose not to acknowledge Amar'e Stoudemire as a center. Kaman is the best choice here for the West and he's not even on the All-Star ballot. With Blake Griffin sidelined, Kaman has helped keep the Clippers afloat.
Paul Forrester: Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies lead the NBA in points in the paint thanks in part to Gasol, who ranks second in the league in shooting. Pau's little brother has helped balance out a Grizzlies-Lakers trade for which Memphis was lambasted throughout the league.
WESTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen: Welcome to four newcomers: Deron Williams and Kevin Durant are obvious picks; Chris Kaman belongs based on his 20.4 points and 9.4 rebounds (and, yes, I know that pick isn't consistent with my preference for stars on winning teams, but the 18-22 Clippers' recent four-game losing streak had everything to do with Kaman's absence); and Zach Randolph has been a frontcourt leader for the surprising Grizzlies. Those who are more inclinded to select players from losing teams may consider the Warriors' exciting Monta Ellis, but the West coaches are more likely to make room for Pau Gasol, who isn't on my list because of his extended trouble with injuries.
G Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
Jack McCallum: Players such as Carlos Boozer, Jason Kidd and Rudy Gay didn't make my roster, and all of them might've been All-Stars in the East. Plus, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant can make a case to start. Pau Gasol might've made it had he not missed so many games with a hamstring injury, and his younger brother, Marc, wouldn't have been a bad backup pick. Zach Randolph, previously a candidate only for the all-knucklehead team, and Chris Kaman, who was injured most of last season, are having great years.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Mannix: Only one Laker? I know, but who could Pau Gasol replace? Kevin Durant? He is a fraction of a point away from being the NBA scoring leader. Amar'e Stoudemire? He's having a similar statistical season to Gasol but has played in 18 more games, and I need him at center. Zach Randolph? He's the biggest reason for Memphis' turnaround. Carlos Boozer (19.0 points, 10.6 rebounds in 41 games) might have a stronger case to make than Gasol, but both are victims of the West's frontcourt depth.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
F Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Amar'e Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
Paul Forrester: Chris Paul is a given, and Deron Williams should be as well. Brandon Roy has kept the injury-plagued Blazers together and remains the best off-guard in the West not named Kobe. Tyreke Evans, the Rookie of the Year favorite, has fast-forwarded the Kings' rebuilding project. Carmelo Anthony seems determined to remind people why he was the No. 3 pick in 2003. Tim Duncan has done more with fewer minutes than Amar'e Stoudemire. It's impossible to ignore how well Randolph has fit in Memphis.
G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
G Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
G Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
G Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
C Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
*********************
EASTERN CONFERENCE STARTERS
GUARD
Dwyane Wade
Miami Heat
5 career All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG SPG
27.2 4.8 6.2 1.9
Ian Thomsen: Dwyane Wade. He isn't quite the intimidating presence he was last year, but let's not take Wade for granted: He leads Miami in points, assists, steals and, at 6-foot-4, ranks No. 2 in blocks. No guard in the East comes close to rivaling his impact.
Jack McCallum: Dwyane Wade. There's an undesirable part of Wade's game that I've just begun to really notice: He's a bad three-point shooter (29.2 percent) and he probably takes too many of them (3.3 per game). But if he stays in one piece -- that's a big if -- he's a guaranteed All-Star for at least the next half-dozen years.
Chris Mannix: Dwyane Wade. Wade's numbers have dipped slightly across the board from last season, but his body continues to hold up (he hasn't missed a game) and he is still a one-man force propping up Miami in the playoff race.
Paul Forrester: Dwyane Wade. If his high production is a step down from last year's otherworldly numbers, the Heat will gladly take it. Along with LeBron, Wade is the only player in the 2010 free-agent class who can single-handedly turn around a franchise.
Joe Johnson
Atlanta Hawks
3 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FT%
21.3 4.9 4.8 83.3
Ian Thomsen: Joe Johnson. So controversial was the expensive 2005 sign-and-trade for Johnson that it fractured the Hawks' ownership, leading to a court fight that has yet to be resolved. But Johnson's $70 million contract was a strong investment. His leadership skills have improved each year, culminating (for the moment) in the underfunded Hawks' rise to No. 3 in the East. Johnson creates for others but isn't afraid to take and make the biggest shots himself. A real star.
Jack McCallum: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics. You think it was easy becoming a leader with personalities as strong as Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett around? Plus, the kid's a terrific defender, not that that means anything in an All-Star Game.
Chris Mannix: Joe Johnson. The most overlooked superstar in the league -- and I don't care how many times we say it, it's still true -- is having his usual productive season. The difference is that Atlanta, with Jamal Crawford coming off the bench, is now a legitimate title contender. Johnson deserves recognition for that.
Paul Forrester: Rajon Rondo. Rondo's growing leadership, along with his play at both ends of the court, has kept the Celtics running relatively smoothly while nagging injuries have scrambled the rest of the lineup. Boston's Big Three now has a fourth.
FORWARD
LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FG%
29.6 7.2 7.8 51.0
Ian Thomsen: LeBron James. He continues to lead at both ends of the floor, shooting a career-high percentage from the field and helping the Cavs rank No. 3 in field-goal defense. James and Kobe Bryant will be fighting over the MVP award again, followed possibly by a best-of-seven series for the most important trophy of them all.
Jack McCallum: LeBron James. If James ever plays for a team on which he can get his scoring down to, say, 23 a game so he can truly become a point guard in the Magic mold, he could come close to the Oscar Robertson triple-double-season standard.
Chris Mannix: LeBron James. It seems almost effortless for him to put together that stat line. Now if he would only enter the dunk contest ...
Paul Forrester: LeBron James. Kobe may be better in the clutch, but no one has a greater impact on a game than the reigning MVP. And to think he hasn't even hit his prime.
Chris Bosh
Toronto Raptors
3 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG APG FG%
23.8 11.1 2.0 52.3
Ian Thomsen: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics. Chris Bosh has the better numbers, but consider this: For 11 months now, Pierce has been driving the depleted Celtics (without a healthy Kevin Garnett) to remain the No. 2 team in the East. He is a gamer true to the Celtics' tradition, whether helping to guard the best opponent, creating for teammates or taking on the big plays. Garnett will earn more votes from fans and Bosh will do better in fantasy leagues, but neither star deserves to start ahead of Pierce this year.
Jack McCallum: Chris Bosh. He probably wouldn't be starting if Kevin Garnett had been healthy, but he's a reliable scorer and gets every rebound he should, so he's a deserving choice. But why can't I love him with my whole heart? Maybe he needs to pop somebody with an elbow once in a while.
Chris Mannix: Chris Bosh. Bosh was already good. Contract-year Bosh is better. He leads the league in double-doubles (30) and his numbers are up in virtually every major offensive category.
Paul Forrester: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks. He's finally stopped trying to be a three-point shooter and is focusing on his strengths: driving into the paint, working the offensive glass and wreaking havoc on defense. It's why the Hawks have graduated from wannabe to actual contender.
CENTER
Dwight Howard
Orlando Magic
3 All-Star appearances
PPG RPG BPG FG%
17.0 13.1 2.5 60.5
Ian Thomsen: Dwight Howard. He has been attempting three fewer shots per game while making room in the offense for Vince Carter, but Howard continues to be the league's dominating presence in the paint and on the boards while keeping Orlando within reach of a return to the NBA Finals. Unless Yao Ming makes an Ilgauskas-like recovery from his latest foot surgery to create a rivalry, the 24-year-old Howard looks like he'll be the NBA's No. 1 center well into his 30s.
Jack McCallum: Dwight Howard. He may be the most limited offensive player in history who's fun to watch, which isn't, I suppose, much of a compliment. But this much is certain: Besides LeBron and Kobe in the West, Howard is the easiest starting pick.
Chris Mannix: Dwight Howard. Even if Howard didn't score -- and his numbers are down from last season as he tries to figure out how to play with Vince Carter -- he's a shoo-in for defense alone. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year leads the NBA in rebounds, blocks, and where-is-he? looks from penetrating guards (too many to count).
Paul Forrester: Dwight Howard. He may not enjoy the nightly muggings from opponents, but Howard should take it as a measure of respect -- and desperation -- other teams feel when facing him. Once he starts countering those measures more than complaining about them, the league is in for even more trouble.
EASTERN CONFERENCE RESERVES
Ian Thomsen: The toughest decisions included omitting Kevin Garnett, who has been either sidelined by or recovering from knee injuries, and choosing Ray Allen over Vince Carter (doomed by his 38.6 percent shooting). Rajon Rondo is a sure thing as the best point guard in the East, while Josh Smith and Gerald Wallace are more than worthy. With 11 franchises near or below .500 -- I have a hard time awarding players from losing teams -- this becomes the weakest All-Star team I can remember. Chris Bosh is the only reserve who could compete for a spot in the superior conference.
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
G Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
G Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
F Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
F Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
C Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Jack McCallum: No Kevin Garnett? Too many injuries. I never thought I'd be putting Josh Smith on an All-Star team, but his talent seems at last to have surpassed his wildness. Antawn Jamison is probably the least-known productive player of the last decade, Gerald Wallace has the Bobcats above .500 and David Lee has gone to the next level. It hurts not to put Shaq on this team, but he is dividing the Cavs' center position with Zydrunas Ilgauskas. I know the fans want Allen Iverson to start, but I'd rather see rookie Brandon Jennings (who admittedly has struggled lately).
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
F Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
C David Lee, New York Knicks
Chris Mannix: Paul Pierce has been Paul Pierce, KG's All-Star status has never been about the numbers and Rajon Rondo's dynamic offensive season nudges him past Ray Allen on Boston's depth chart. Gerald Wallace's scoring (18.5 points) and spike in rebounding (up nearly four per game from last season, to 11.3) earn him a spot. David Lee is too consistent to overlook. Al Horford gets a nod for manning the middle on a division leader.
G Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
F David Lee, New York Knicks
F Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
C Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Paul Forrester: Chris Bosh was the hardest name to leave off the starting squad, but Josh Smith has had a greater impact with the Hawks, who still will go as far as Joe Johnson takes them. Antawn Jamison hasn't saved the Wizards, but he's been a model stretch power forward while offering a sane voice in the Washington wilderness. Speaking of sanity, any All-Star game without Paul Pierce may not have any. Gerald Wallace is finally seeing his underrated efforts go toward a playoff push in Charlotte. David Lee shows up every night for the Knicks. Derrick Rose has gradually regained the form that he showed in last season's playoffs against the Celtics.
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
F Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
F Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
F Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
F Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
C David Lee, New York Knicks