All-Star Balloting - Fourth Returns In

[Kori Ellis]

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2007 – In the fourth and final update before the All-Star starters are announced on Jan. 25, Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets leads the Western Conference and LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers leads the Eastern Conference in returns of 2007 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by T-Mobile.

The 2007 NBA All-Star Balloting program continues through Jan. 15 for paper balloting and Jan. 21 for online balloting. The 2007 All-Star starters will be announced on Thursday Jan. 25 prior to a TNT doubleheader. Following the completion of fan voting and the starting line-up announcement, the head coaches in each conference will vote to determine the remaining All-Stars in their respective conference, which will be announced Thursday, Feb. 1 prior to a TNT doubleheader.

Through the 2007 NBA All-Star Balloting program, NBA fans worldwide are responsible for voting in the starters for the 56th NBA All-Star Game, which will be played in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 18. The game will air live on TNT, ESPN Radio and in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Tight races for starting spots exist in both conferences. The Denver Nuggets’ Allen Iverson (1,300,248) trails the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady (1,331,511) by 31,263 votes among Western Conference guards. In the East, the Toronto Raptors’ Chris Bosh (684,620) and the Indiana Pacers’ Jermaine O’Neal (621,476) are separated by just 63,144 votes for a starting forward position.

Yao leads all players with 1,775,413 votes. The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Garnett leads all Western Conference forwards with 1,068,168 votes, followed by San Antonio’s Tim Duncan (1,025,812). The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (1,536,556) and McGrady lead all Western Conference guards. James leads all Eastern Conference players with 1,774,281 votes, followed by the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (1,371,850). Bosh is second among Eastern Conference forwards. The New Jersey Nets’ Vince Carter (1,002,709) is second to Wade among Eastern Conference guards. Miami’s Shaquille O’Neal leads all Eastern Conference centers with 1,143,904 votes, followed by the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard (978,007).

Fans have the opportunity to vote at all NBA arenas, in 20 languages on NBA.com, on AOL.com/nba, at 1,250 T-Mobile-owned retail locations and at t-zones using T-Mobile service or wap.nba.com for any wireless carrier. Fans will be able to vote at several locations in Las Vegas, the host city of NBA All-Star 2007, including the Las Vegas Convention Center, Fremont Street and the Thomas & Mack Center. For the first time, 13 NBA team arenas will also carry a Spanish-language version of the ballot. T-Mobile is the presenting partner of 2007 NBA All-Star Balloting program. This year’s other All-Star Balloting partners include 2K Sports, AOL.com, XBOX, GameStop & EB Games.

NBA All-Star 2007 is a week-long celebration that enables fans to experience the thrill of the world’s greatest athletes playing the game they love and features a full slate of community-enhancing activities and fan festivals such as NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas.

In conjunction with All-Star Balloting, 2K Sports will give fans the chance to live out their Las Vegas hoop dreams by entering the Official Balloting NBA 2K7 All-Star Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to NBA All-Star 2007 and play 2K Sports NBA 2K7 on XBOX 360 against an NBA player. In addition, T-Mobile will promote their Fave 5 Sweepstakes by offering fans a chance to bring their favorite five friends to the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.

The leaders of both the Eastern and Western Conference players for the fourth returns of the 2007 NBA All-Star voting program are attached:


2007 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 1,774,281; Chris Bosh (Tor) 684,620; Jermaine
O'Neal (Ind) 621,476; Grant Hill (Orl) 455,018; Paul Pierce (Bos) 442,393;
Rasheed Wallace (Det) 358,998; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 316,491; Tayshaun
Prince (Det) 252,295; Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) 236,846; Emeka Okafor (Char)
234,542.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,371,850; Vince Carter (NJ) 1,002,709; Gilbert
Arenas (Wash) 788,249; Jason Kidd (NJ) 573,104; Stephon Marbury (NY)
383,204; Chauncey Billups (Det) 298,770; Michael Redd (Mil) 233,038; Steve
Francis (NY) 201,736; Joe Johnson (Atl) 198,918; Ben Gordon (Chi) 177,866.

Centers: Shaquille O'Neal (Mia) 1,143,904; Dwight Howard (Orl) 978,007; Ben
Wallace (Chi) 519,871; Alonzo Mourning (Mia) 205,832; Zaza Pachulia (Atl)
165,178; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 146,027; Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Clev) 123,176;
Nazr Mohammed (Det) 119,888; Eddy Curry (NY) 113,133; Nenad Krstic (NJ)
92,832.

2007 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Forwards: Kevin Garnett (Minn) 1,068,168; Tim Duncan (SA) 1,025,812; Dirk
Nowitzki (Dal) 884,160; Carmelo Anthony (Den) 870,465; Shane Battier (Hou)
640,238; Shawn Marion (Pho) 332,106; Lamar Odom (LAL) 311,845; Josh Howard
(Dal) 288,539; Carlos Boozer (Utah) 251,889; Pau Gasol (Mem) 237,828.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,536,556; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,331,511; Allen
Iverson (Den) 1,300,248*; Steve Nash (Pho) 992,885; Manu Ginobili (SA)
376,185; Tony Parker (SA) 350,257; Chris Paul (NOK) 316,142; Jason Terry
(Dal) 306,123; Ray Allen (Sea) 267,253; Jerry Stackhouse (Dal) 252,254.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 1,775,413; Amaré Stoudemire (Pho) 727,298; Erick
Dampier (Dal) 283,103; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 232,174; Marcus Camby (Den)
201,177; Francisco Elson (SA) 171,180; Brad Miller (Sac) 109,715; Chris
Kaman (LAC) 107,065; Tyson Chandler (NOK) 98,541; Chris Mihm (LAL) 97,636.

* The Philadelphia - Denver trade involving Allen Iverson was completed
after the media panel's deadline for selecting the ballot and therefore
Iverson is listed on the ballot as a member of his prior team. For
tabulation purposes, Iverson's votes will be counted towards the Western
Conference totals.

[TDMVPDPOY]

the third ballot of returns the gap between td and dirk was only around 40-60k votes, now its blown apart by a margin....he still get voted in anyway.

[LEONARD]

Gotta love fan voting...

Battier 5th fwd? I think Houston must be doing some stuffing...

[Texas_Ranger]

I think Duncan will win the west forward contest.

[SpursWoman]

Gotta love fan voting...


Yep ... Shaq's missed 30 of the Heat's 34 games so far. And he's winning by a solid margin. :spin

[bdictjames]

Wow, AI's getting ground, might even pass McGrady for the 2nd spot

[fred33]

parker and gino for a wild card? MY PICK IS FOR PARKER

[1Parker1]

Damn, what happened to Jason Terry? He was in 5th or 6th place a few weeks ago...

:lol @ Ray Allen dropping down the second to last spot. What's his career come to?

[lurker]

Steve Nash being 4th is ridiculous.

[nkdlunch]

Spurs are more popular than Mavs.

[fred33]

When Coachs Will Watch Stats Of Parker I Think He Has A Shot For 5th Guard Of All Star Team

[ponky]

i could say something about nowitzki but i won't because he'll be voted in anyway...arenas at third and dwight howard at second doesn't surprise me but it's yet another glaring example of why the all-star voting needs to only count for 50%

[ponky]

Damn, what happened to Jason Terry? He was in 5th or 6th place a few weeks ago...

:lol @ Ray Allen dropping down the second to last spot. What's his career come to?

his game's gone AWOL

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Yep ... Shaq's missed 30 of the Heat's 34 games so far. And he's winning by a solid margin. :spin


Well, the all-star ballot just says to vote for your "favorite", it doesn't say anything about how well a player is doing.

A few years ago, before you had to select your write-in vote from a drop-down menu, I always would write in someone like George Gervin or Artis Gilmore even though they were retired for several years.

If we're just voting for who we'd like to see play in the game, not who's the best, I'd still love to see the Iceman lace 'em up for the all-star game today.

[Beaverfuzz]

It's just the all-star game, fans stuffing the ballot boxes which is nothing new. It's not the same since the 80's/early 90's.

[wildbill2u]

Wow, AI's getting ground, might even pass McGrady for the 2nd spot
why not let Iverson voting go for playing for both squads :spin

[wildbill2u]

i could say something about nowitzki but i won't because he'll be voted in anyway...arenas at third and dwight howard at second doesn't surprise me but it's yet another glaring example of why the all-star voting needs to only count for 50%
Nowitzki probably should be number one in the West. I don't see anyone playing at a higher level this season.

[BeerIsGood!]

Nowitzki probably should be number one in the West. I don't see anyone playing at a higher level this season.

I agree, the guy's the best in the league right now. The all-star game is pretty much just a joke for the benefit of fans, so why not let the fans vote in players who haven't played all season? I like to watch a couple of the saturday night things, but haven't actually watched the game itself in like 12 years. It's all about the :greedy :greedy :greedy :greedy :greedy

[ponky]

i don't know what the records will be between dallas, s.a. and the suns...but if it's dallas or the suns, it's going to be d'antoni coaching and that in itself will be hilarious to watch, he's going to have all those trees in the west RUN RUN RUN!!!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Nowitzki probably should be number one in the West. I don't see anyone playing at a higher level this season.


Who wants to see a white boy run up and down the court in the all-star game making "intelligent" plays, shooting free throws at a high percentage, and hitting the mid to long range jumper?

I, for one, do not sir.

I'd rather watch a bunch of guys dunking the ball and going to the hoop on one-on-four fast breaks, displaying the American game as we know it today.

[ponky]

Who wants to see a white boy run up and down the court in the all-star game making "intelligent" plays, shooting free throws at a high percentage, and hitting the mid to long range jumper?

I, for one, do not sir.

I'd rather watch a bunch of guys dunking the ball and going to the hoop on one-on-four fast breaks, displaying the American game as we know it today.


So do a thousand other playground ballers who are increasingly getting pwned by the foreigners. If you wanna see a bunch of guys dunking the ball, then tell all those black guys to at least practice a tiny bit before committing to the slam-dunk competition. These days, there are probably 2-3 cool dunks in the entire competition.

[MrChug]

Anyone think as far down as they are that the coaches will vote in either Boozer or Josh Howard? I think they're both very deserving this year. Are they more likely than Melo and Marion? I don't think so but who knows?

[ponky]

Anyone think as far down as they are that the coaches will vote in either Boozer or Josh Howard? I think they're both very deserving this year. Are they more likely than Melo and Marion? I don't think so but who knows?


Yes, one of those two will get in, I'm hoping Josh Howard. Voting is thrown out the window when it comes to the coaches, it doesn't matter. I don't remember how many votes they had but guys like Jamaal Magloire and Rashard Lewis have gotten in and I wouldn't say they had tons of votes.

[dbreiden83080]

Dirk is having the better year so far but it is nice to see Timmy voted in. I have to laugh at the media always saying he is not popular yet he is voted to start in the game by the fans every year.

[Jimcs50]

Dirk > TD at this point in their careers

[MrChug]

Yes, one of those two will get in, I'm hoping Josh Howard. Voting is thrown out the window when it comes to the coaches, it doesn't matter. I don't remember how many votes they had but guys like Jamaal Magloire and Rashard Lewis have gotten in and I wouldn't say they had tons of votes.

Just comparing those 3 are tough though.

J-HO
PPG 19.3
RPG 7.0
APG 1.8
SPG 1.21
BPG 1.10
FG% .465
FT% .831
3P% .417
MPG 34.4

Boozer
PPG 21.7
RPG 11.6
APG 3.1
SPG .91
BPG .37
FG% .553
FT% .714
3P% .000
MPG 36.7

Marion
PPG 19.4
RPG 9.4
APG 1.8
SPG 1.94
BPG 1.44
FG% .511
FT% .847
3P% .308
MPG 38.6

If numbers are the deciding factor (considering the difference in team success is negligable), Josh doesn't have much of a chance I don't think. :nerd

[FromWayDowntown]

The coaches have to vote for 1 backup center, 2 backup forwards, 2 backup guards, and 2 "wild cards." You can do some of the math at this point.

For instance, Yao is going to be the starting center for the West, two of Garnett/Duncan/Nowitzki will be voted to start at forward for the West, and two of Kobe/McGrady/Iverson will be voted to start at guard for the West.

Figure that Stoudemire will be the backup center voted by the West coaches. At the very least, whoever among Garnett/Duncan/Nowitzki isn't voted to start will be one of the 2 backup forwards. Likewise, at least one of the backup guards will be Nash.

That gives you all-star cinches of:

1. Yao
2. Stoudemire
3. Garnett
4. Duncan
5. Nowitzki
6. Bryant
7. McGrady
8. Nash

Assuming that there's no great groundswell of support for Iverson as a West All-Star (which would make him a no-brainer, too, I think), you need one more forward, one more guard, and then two wild cards. Getting those slots will be amazingly difficult.

At forward you have a number of candidates with solid credentials, like Marion, Boozer, Howard, Anthony, Brand, and Randolph (to name a few). At guard you have, perhaps fewer candidates, but some strong arguments: Allen, the Iverson/McGrady loser, Parker, and D. Williams.

If you give a West forward spot to Josh Howard, you're telling either Carlos Boozer or Shawn Marion that this just isn't his year. I think I'd do that in a basketball sense, but are Howard's numbers sufficient to put him ahead of either Boozer or Marion? It's not like there's a monsterous disparity in records among those candidates and one could argue that each is about as valuable as the other to his team's success. Is Howard's 19.3, 7.0, 1.8 better than Marion's 19.4, 9.4, 1.8 or Boozer's 21.7, 11.6, 3.1? Difficult call, I think.

The same problems exist with Tony Parker's candidacy (or Manu Ginobili's, if you really want to be optimistic). Assume that Nash and Iverson/McGrady are the two backup guards -- can anyone truly justify sending Parker to Vegas in front of guys like Marion, Howard, Boozer, Randolph, or Anthony?

In the end, I think there are going to be a lot of guys who are going to throw down the "disrespected" card when the All-Star rosters are announced.

[Timmy!]

Marbury = 5th guard in the east! :lmao

[ponky]

At forward you have a number of candidates with solid credentials, like Marion, Boozer, Howard, Anthony, Brand, and Randolph (to name a few). At guard you have, perhaps fewer candidates, but some strong arguments: Allen, the Iverson/McGrady loser, Parker, and D. Williams.

If you give a West forward spot to Josh Howard, you're telling either Carlos Boozer or Shawn Marion that this just isn't his year. I think I'd do that in a basketball sense, but are Howard's numbers sufficient to put him ahead of either Boozer or Marion? It's not like there's a monsterous disparity in records among those candidates and one could argue that each is about as valuable as the other to his team's success. Is Howard's 19.3, 7.0, 1.8 better than Marion's 19.4, 9.4, 1.8 or Boozer's 21.7, 11.6, 3.1? Difficult call, I think.

The same problems exist with Tony Parker's candidacy (or Manu Ginobili's, if you really want to be optimistic). Assume that Nash and Iverson/McGrady are the two backup guards -- can anyone truly justify sending Parker to Vegas in front of guys like Marion, Howard, Boozer, Randolph, or Anthony?

In the end, I think there are going to be a lot of guys who are going to throw down the "disrespected" card when the All-Star rosters are announced.


Yup, there will be plenty of disappointment to go around...we should just take some spots from the East to appease! I really hope Marion doesn't make it...having a possible D'Antoni coached team with THREE Suns All-Stars would be too much...Nash/Amare making All-Star is also another reason I think Marion might not make it. He's already been an All-Star three times, hard to make a case for three Suns All-Stars when there are so many from other teams who are equally deserving and he's playing with two All-Stars, unlike Boozer or JHO. Actually, Marion's numbers are a little bit down from last year but maybe it has something to do with playing a minute less per game than last season.

[Phenomanul]

The coaches have to vote for 1 backup center, 2 backup forwards, 2 backup guards, and 2 "wild cards." You can do some of the math at this point.

For instance, Yao is going to be the starting center for the West, two of Garnett/Duncan/Nowitzki will be voted to start at forward for the West, and two of Kobe/McGrady/Iverson will be voted to start at guard for the West.

Figure that Stoudemire will be the backup center voted by the West coaches. At the very least, whoever among Garnett/Duncan/Nowitzki isn't voted to start will be one of the 2 backup forwards. Likewise, at least one of the backup guards will be Nash.

That gives you all-star cinches of:

1. Yao
2. Stoudemire
3. Garnett
4. Duncan
5. Nowitzki
6. Bryant
7. McGrady
8. Nash

Assuming that there's no great groundswell of support for Iverson as a West All-Star (which would make him a no-brainer, too, I think), you need one more forward, one more guard, and then two wild cards. Getting those slots will be amazingly difficult.

At forward you have a number of candidates with solid credentials, like Marion, Boozer, Howard, Anthony, Brand, and Randolph (to name a few). At guard you have, perhaps fewer candidates, but some strong arguments: Allen, the Iverson/McGrady loser, Parker, and D. Williams.

If you give a West forward spot to Josh Howard, you're telling either Carlos Boozer or Shawn Marion that this just isn't his year. I think I'd do that in a basketball sense, but are Howard's numbers sufficient to put him ahead of either Boozer or Marion? It's not like there's a monsterous disparity in records among those candidates and one could argue that each is about as valuable as the other to his team's success. Is Howard's 19.3, 7.0, 1.8 better than Marion's 19.4, 9.4, 1.8 or Boozer's 21.7, 11.6, 3.1? Difficult call, I think.

The same problems exist with Tony Parker's candidacy (or Manu Ginobili's, if you really want to be optimistic). Assume that Nash and Iverson/McGrady are the two backup guards -- can anyone truly justify sending Parker to Vegas in front of guys like Marion, Howard, Boozer, Randolph, or Anthony?

In the end, I think there are going to be a lot of guys who are going to throw down the "disrespected" card when the All-Star rosters are announced.


Good analysis :tu

[spurschick]

Refresh my memory... do the players that participate in the Saturday night events, i.e. skills challenge, have to be from the same pool that make the All-Star team?

[ponky]

Refresh my memory... do the players that participate in the Saturday night events, i.e. skills challenge, have to be from the same pool that make the All-Star team?

not at all

[timvp]

The coaches have to vote for 1 backup center, 2 backup forwards, 2 backup guards, and 2 "wild cards." You can do some of the math at this point.

For instance, Yao is going to be the starting center for the West, two of Garnett/Duncan/Nowitzki will be voted to start at forward for the West, and two of Kobe/McGrady/Iverson will be voted to start at guard for the West.

Figure that Stoudemire will be the backup center voted by the West coaches. At the very least, whoever among Garnett/Duncan/Nowitzki isn't voted to start will be one of the 2 backup forwards. Likewise, at least one of the backup guards will be Nash.

That gives you all-star cinches of:

1. Yao
2. Stoudemire
3. Garnett
4. Duncan
5. Nowitzki
6. Bryant
7. McGrady
8. Nash

Assuming that there's no great groundswell of support for Iverson as a West All-Star (which would make him a no-brainer, too, I think), you need one more forward, one more guard, and then two wild cards. Getting those slots will be amazingly difficult.

At forward you have a number of candidates with solid credentials, like Marion, Boozer, Howard, Anthony, Brand, and Randolph (to name a few). At guard you have, perhaps fewer candidates, but some strong arguments: Allen, the Iverson/McGrady loser, Parker, and D. Williams.

If you give a West forward spot to Josh Howard, you're telling either Carlos Boozer or Shawn Marion that this just isn't his year. I think I'd do that in a basketball sense, but are Howard's numbers sufficient to put him ahead of either Boozer or Marion? It's not like there's a monsterous disparity in records among those candidates and one could argue that each is about as valuable as the other to his team's success. Is Howard's 19.3, 7.0, 1.8 better than Marion's 19.4, 9.4, 1.8 or Boozer's 21.7, 11.6, 3.1? Difficult call, I think.

The same problems exist with Tony Parker's candidacy (or Manu Ginobili's, if you really want to be optimistic). Assume that Nash and Iverson/McGrady are the two backup guards -- can anyone truly justify sending Parker to Vegas in front of guys like Marion, Howard, Boozer, Randolph, or Anthony?

In the end, I think there are going to be a lot of guys who are going to throw down the "disrespected" card when the All-Star rosters are announced.


Nice job. I think the West will be:

C Yao Ming
C Amare Stoudemire
G Steve Nash
G Kobe Bryant
G Allen Iverson
G Tracy McGrady
G Ray Allen/Tony Parker/Manu Ginobili
F Tim Duncan
F Dirk Nowitzki
F Kevin Garnett
F Josh Howard
F Carlos Boozer

Marion and Brand are having off years so I don't really think you have to add them to the mix. Carmelo was a shoe-in before getting suspended. Randolph's team is too bad to make it off the bench.

I would say both Josh Howard and Carlos Boozer should be locks right now. Both are on good teams and having great years. The Mavs deserve at least two all-stars, if not more. The Jazz deserve at least one all-star.

One thing to remember, though, is that the bench players' positions are a lot more flexible than the starters. I wouldn't be surprised if Boozer gets named in as the backup center if they want to free room for another forward. And if they want to stretch it, they could name Howard as the fifth guard.

That brings up the question of whether Stoudemire is really an all-star. He's a feel good story for how he's bounced back but his numbers are not overly impressive and way down from his previous numbers. If coaches think that Marion or even someone like Carmelo > Stoudemire, they can just bump Boozer to center.

Parker or Ginobili have a chance, but I can see the spot getting eliminated. Actually, the coaches could just name Carmelo as the fifth guard. Do Parker or Ginobili deserve a spot on the team? Tough to say but right now I'd probably say no. If the Spurs were a higher in the standings, that'd be a little different.

[exstatic]

I think if Melo wants to play in the ASG, he'd better get friends and family to stuff the ballot box, or Karl Rove to manage his campaign, after his little pussy fight in MSG. He's the stupidest motherfucker in the world. All he had to do to finally make the ASG was NOTHING, and he couldn't even get that right.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

He made a stupid rash decision and he should lose an ASG appearance over it? Its not like 15 games ( 3 times more than anyone else has ever gotten for punching another player ) isnt enough already. :drunk

He knows he made a mistake, he admitted it and is taking the punishment like a man and not appealing it. You know he would have easily knocked 3-5 games off the suspension if he let the union appeal, but instead he is taking it coz he knows he made a mistake.

Funny how anything decent Melo does goes unnoticed but his mistakes are put in the spotlight and never forgotten. No NBA team has ever not had a player make stupid mistakes. Even your precious spurs.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

At least Pop is smarter than some of the fans here. He knows players make mistakes and he won't hold it against Melo :smokin

[ChumpDumper]

Funny how anything decent Melo does goes unnoticed but his mistakes are put in the spotlight and never forgotten. No NBA team has ever not had a player make stupid mistakes. Even your precious spurs.If a Spur sucker punched a guy and ran like a coward, I probably wouldn't want him to be on the Spurs team anymore much less the All-Star team.

Melo will have other chances.

[milkyway21]

[QUOTE]Guards:
1. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,536,556;
2. Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,331,511;
3. Allen Iverson (Den) 1,300,248*;
4. Steve Nash (Pho) 992,885;
5. Manu Ginobili (SA)376,185;
6. Tony Parker (SA) 350,257;
7. Chris Paul (NOK) 316,142;


gee, i think Manu will have the chance to play again...and probably Chris Paul of another team, w/ Tony losing a spot.
let's go vote more for Manu and Tony!!!

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

If a Spur sucker punched a guy and ran like a coward, I probably wouldn't want him to be on the Spurs team anymore much less the All-Star team.

Melo will have other chances.


People must be miseducated about sucker punches. If Collins wasn't expecting a punch for what he did then he is an idiot. He was looking right at Melo when Melo walked up to him. The only sucker part about it was the guy who got hit, he is a sucker for thinking he should be in the NBA.
:fro

And dont lie about not wanting a guy on your team coz of mistakes he made. Horry bites a guy and still is in a Spurs uniform, thats a more cowardly act that what Melo did.

Reggie grabbed a guys balls and yet half the Spurs fans probably would kill to have his rebounding off the bench.

People make mistakes and you can't judge them unless you have never made one.

[ChumpDumper]

You're right. I have never sucker punched anyone and run like a coward on national TV.

[Kori Ellis]

[QUOTE]Guards:
1. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,536,556;
2. Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,331,511;
3. Allen Iverson (Den) 1,300,248*;
4. Steve Nash (Pho) 992,885;
5. Manu Ginobili (SA)376,185;
6. Tony Parker (SA) 350,257;
7. Chris Paul (NOK) 316,142;


gee, i think Manu will have the chance to play again...and probably Chris Paul of another team, w/ Tony losing a spot.
let's go vote more for Manu and Tony!!!

Voting for Manu or Tony doesn't help them win a spot at this point. Only the top two guards are picked by voting. The rest is just up to the coaches and they don't care about the standings in the voting.

I don't think Manu has any chance unfortunately. I think Tony has a slight outside chance.

[samikeyp]

People must be miseducated about sucker punches. If Collins wasn't expecting a punch for what he did then he is an idiot. He was looking right at Melo when Melo walked up to him. The only sucker part about it was the guy who got hit, he is a sucker for thinking he should be in the NBA

so then you approve of what Anthony did.


And dont lie about not wanting a guy on your team coz of mistakes he made. Horry bites a guy and still is in a Spurs uniform, thats a more cowardly act that what Melo did.

How is chump lying? Are you sure he wants Horry on the team?

Technically though, you are correct about the punch...a sucker punch is when you hit someone who isn't looking. What Melo did was just a plain bitch move.

[ChumpDumper]

I didn't want Horry on the All-Star team after he punched David Robinson in the balls.

[MrChug]

Nice job. I think the West will be:

...Marion and Brand are having off years so I don't really think you have to add them to the mix. Carmelo was a shoe-in before getting suspended.

Well I have to disagree. I HATE SHAWN MARION. But to denounce them for having off years is one thing, yet to dismiss him even though he's having a BETTER year (by far) statistically than someone who you will put before him is way off. (See post #26). And to say that the leagues leading scorer would not get voted in by the coaches is just ludicrous.

[milkyway21]

Refresh my memory... do the players that participate in the Saturday night events, i.e. skills challenge, have to be from the same pool that make the All-Star team?if i remember correctly when Denver hosted the All-Star games the other yr they didn't have a player on the ASG roster. Anthony was not selected but they participated in some events such as Rich Q in 3pt shoot out and won.

[timvp]

And to say that the leagues leading scorer would not get voted in by the coaches is just ludicrous.

Hey, I'm as big of a Carmelo fan as there is in San Antonio, but it's tough to put him on the All-Star team when he's going to miss something like 35% of the games. Same reason why Chris Paul can't really make it anymore because he missed too many games.

If we are going on averages, then yeah Carmelo should probably start.

[Kori Ellis]

I know McGrady is on fire lately. But if AI passes him in the voting then I would leave him off the All-Star team and do something like this:

C Yao Ming
C Amare Stoudemire
G Kobe Bryant
G Allen Iverson
G Steve Nash
G Josh Howard
G Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili
F Tim Duncan
F Dirk Nowitzki
F Kevin Garnett
F Carmelo Anthony
F Carlos Boozer

It would be fair, because two Suns, two Mavs and two Spurs would go. And people consider those three the best teams in the league.

(If you want Marion over Stoudemire, then slide Boozer to C and let Marion take the other F spot)

[ducks]

can kori vbookie who gets in the allstar game?

[ducks]

chargers have 9 players in their forum on the allstar game
and bears have 8 I think
who cares what is fair
let the best players go!

[Kori Ellis]

can kori vbookie who gets in the allstar game?

I'll look around and see if there's odds for it.

[ducks]

thanks

[milkyway21]

Voting for Manu or Tony doesn't help them win a spot at this point. Only the top two guards are picked by voting. The rest is just up to the coaches and they don't care about the standings in the voting.

I don't think Manu has any chance unfortunately. I think Tony has a slight outside chance.either of the two to participate makes me happy. Ray Allen shld be left off that list. his team sucks and he's no longer the Ray Allen he used to be. :ihit

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

I know McGrady is on fire lately. But if AI passes him in the voting then I would leave him off the All-Star team and do something like this:

C Yao Ming
C Amare Stoudemire
G Kobe Bryant
G Allen Iverson
G Steve Nash
G Josh Howard
G Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili
F Tim Duncan
F Dirk Nowitzki
F Kevin Garnett
F Carmelo Anthony
F Carlos Boozer

It would be fair, because two Suns, two Mavs and two Spurs would go. And people consider those three the best teams in the league.

(If you want Marion over Stoudemire, then slide Boozer to C and let Marion take the other F spot)


Perfect rationale as to why Spurs fans should vote for AI :fro

Also i think it would be awesome to see a Kobe/AI backcourt

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

While I don't think Tony or Manu have a great chance of making it this year. (and more rest is good anyway)

I'd rather have Parker go if he can, just because he's young and deserves more All-star games with his play. Also to give Tim company this year. :lol

Manu's better off resting and pacing himself, since he'd actually care about winning the A.S. game for the West, for one thing.

Though I'd imagine getting in a second A.S. appearance would be a good extra confidence boost for either of them.


Also i think it would be awesome to see a Kobe/AI backcourt
That'd be insane to watch this year.

[spurschick]

I don't think Manu has any chance unfortunately.

But George Karl loves him! That alone should be enough to get him a spot. :lol

[dbreiden83080]

Dirk > TD at this point in their careers

No he isn't Tim is still the best PF in the game, Dirk is so great on Offense but he still plays little defense and is a mediocre rebounder.

[ducks]

have you seen duncan's d the first 32 games?

[Leetonidas]

It boggles my mind that Tim and Dirk aren't #1 and #2. IMO, Garnett should be on the bench to start the game.

[milkyway21]

latest update on Yao Ming is he's expected to return by the end of next month* - that may be end of February, so he's not available for the Vegas ASG.

*Yao Ming, who is still several weeks away from even being able to work out his injured leg in a swimming pool, is not expected back until the end of next month. After getting a second opinion from Chicago Bulls team physician Brian Cole, Yao remains on schedule to begin on-court workouts in about five weeks. For now, he has to be content working on an exercise bike and shooting balls from a chair.
-- Los Angeles Times

[ponky]

latest update on Yao Ming is he's expected to return by the end of next month* - that may be end of February, so he's not available for the Vegas ASG.

*Yao Ming, who is still several weeks away from even being able to work out his injured leg in a swimming pool, is not expected back until the end of next month. After getting a second opinion from Chicago Bulls team physician Brian Cole, Yao remains on schedule to begin on-court workouts in about five weeks. For now, he has to be content working on an exercise bike and shooting balls from a chair.
-- Los Angeles Times



Yeah, I think Amare and Camby get the nod in Yao's stead.

[timvp]

Yeah, I think Amare and Camby get the nod in Yao's stead.

:lol

You have a better shot at making the All-Star team than Camby does.

[MannyIsGod]

No he isn't Tim is still the best PF in the game, Dirk is so great on Offense but he still plays little defense and is a mediocre rebounder.What the hell?

[ponky]

:lol

You have a better shot at making the All-Star team than Camby does.

LOL, I know, I read that again and was like, who else is there? So tell me, who do you think will get the second center position?

[timvp]

LOL, I know, I read that again and was like, who else is there? So tell me, who do you think will get the second center position?

Boozer.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

LOL, I know, I read that again and was like, who else is there? So tell me, who do you think will get the second center position?

Okur, or maybe they will slide someone from F to C

[ponky]

Boozer.

i nearly wrote that but i wasn't sure if they'd do it, makes more sense and makes room for some forwards (jho!)

[timvp]

i nearly wrote that but i wasn't sure if they'd do it, makes more sense and makes room for some forwards (jho!)

Josh Howard is a lock. 100% certified gold seal of approval lock.

[FromWayDowntown]

If Yao can't go, the Commissioner gets to appoint his replacement. I'd guess it will be the odd man out among Boozer, Howard, and Marion -- if one of them is left off the original roster. He could, I suppose, go with a center, but I'm not really sure who would deserve that nod.

[Shank]

Dampi...nevermind.

[LilMissSPURfect]

Link to vote again......i know i appreciate links ;-)

http://www.nba.com/allstar2007/asb/eng/ballot.html?from=sweeps

:flag: :flag:

[dbreiden83080]

What the hell?

Yes do you have something to add.

[spurschick]

If Tony doesn't make the AS team, he could still be invited to participate in a Saturday night event. I don't see Manu being invited to one of those.

[Amare_32]

Steve Nash being 4th is ridiculous.

Go ahead and call me a homer if you want but is an insult that Nash is not the top vote getter among West guards. Amare should also be tops among Centers. Why is Yao getting votes when he is not playing? As far as the East Dwight Howard deserves to start over Shaq.
________
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[mabber]

Josh Howard is a lock. 100% certified gold seal of approval lock.

I don't think he'll make it. Players rarely make it in the first year that they deserve it. I almost hope he doesn't cuz it will just be another thing to motivate him. He plays with such a huge chip on his shoulder as it is. Josh actually thinks he's as good as LeBron & Melo (same draft) and really wants to prove it.

[mabber]

Go ahead and call me a homer if you want but is an insult that Nash is not the top vote getter among West guards. Amare should also be tops among Centers. Why is Yao getting votes when he is not playing? As far as the East Dwight Howard deserves to start over Shaq.

Why is it an insult...you have to know that it's just a big popularity contest. Plus, Kobe is purdy good and plays in a much bigger market. Now, it would be an insult if Nash wasn't the top vote getter if only players & coaches voted.

[milkyway21]

Go ahead and call me a homer if you want but is an insult that Nash is not the top vote getter among West guards. Amare should also be tops among Centers. Why is Yao getting votes when he is not playing? As far as the East Dwight Howard deserves to start over Shaq.:lol Wow, an insult?. Nash is maybe a 2-time MVP but he is not the best player in the NBA , IMO.

if Billups happens to play in the West, I would rather choose him over Nash.

[ShoogarBear]

:lol @ Ray Allen dropping down the second to last spot. What's his career come to?Oh . . . 17 for 32, 8 for 12 from the arc, 54 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists.

[ponky]

Oh . . . 17 for 32, 8 for 12 from the arc, 54 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists.

lol, that was a damn good game last night...he was making those shots so quickly i was in awe that he could make them with barely a glance...that collison block was huge as well

[ducks]

cuban and aj are talking aj up
whining to the press
would not suprise me if they do not make it they both get fined

[ponky]

cuban and aj are talking aj up
whining to the press
would not suprise me if they do not make it they both get fined


anthony johnson will not make it...josh howard otoh, will probably make it and it's called *lobbying* not whining...cuban does whine at times but this is not one of those times...unless maybe you can show me a link to something he whined about regarding jho and the all-star game...and i assume you meant jho, not aj2

[mabber]

cuban and aj are talking aj up
whining to the press
would not suprise me if they do not make it they both get fined

AJ isn't even on the ballot. He's the backup point guard. I'm pretty sure no one is talking him up :lol