The NBA released the starters and reserves for the All-Star game that will take place in Phoenix, and while the some of the choices are no surprise (
O'Neal, Duncan, Kobe,
LeBron,
Garnett....), I think there are a few players who perhaps
should've been considered. Also, I don't agree with everyone on that list, but the fans or coaches voted them in.
WEST ALL-STARSStartersI basically think everyone on this should be there except
Amar'e "STAT"
Stoudemire. I'm not saying he's bad by any means, but he just doesn't seem to fit the same profile he usually performs as. Yeah, his numbers are down. Big deal. So are Big Ticket's. My problem is his attitude this season just seems to be worse than his typically arrogant self. He just doesn't scream "All-Star" as loudly as those he's starting with. For instance,
Yao Ming is pretty much single-
handedly keeping Houston afloat while T-Mac and Ron Ron are out.
Amar'e? I don't know. I just can't give it to him so readily. Reserve for sure but not starter. Everyone else I'm cool with.
Reserves/SnubsAgain, most of these I agree with (especially B-Roy!!! YEAH! Finally made it!), but there are a couple of guys I'd rather see.
Tony Parker. What else can you say about the guy except he's an amazing PG-slasher, Finals MVP, and NBA champion? I think that about covers it. That's my problem with him. He's just... that... A
winner but not exciting. Mr. Fundamental isn't exactly jaw-dropping either, but one really can't deny his greatness. (It's almost blasphemous not to see TD playing.) Still, I'd drop Tony Parker and add his teammate
GINOBLI! *Charles Barkley style*
Waaaaay more exciting and just as crucial (if not more) to his team. And who doesn't want to hear Barkley yell his name? I know this is just a personal preference for Ginobli. I'm doggin' Parker. He definitely is All-Sar caliber, but I'd rather see his teammate.
David West. I can see why the coaches voted him in. He really is a great asset to a team, but how do you snub
Melo? I know the haters have found him to be selfish and egotistical (
Amar'e?), but
Melo's style has shifted with the arrival of Mr. Big Shot-- in a great way. The new Carmelo Anthony is doing what his team needs from him. Plus, he's one of the greatest offensive players in the league! I think it's a shame not to have someone of his talent level not playing in the All-Star game. West: I'm sorry, but I just can't agree here.
Al Jefferson. Damn, can this guy play! Why is he not included? Limited spots, I know. But still. Throw this guy a bone because not many players play at or above his level.
Other than that, I can't really complain about the West All-Star roster. Sure, there are some players I'd like to see play-- Kevin Durant, Baron Davis, T-Mac, Carlos Boozer,
Deron Williams, and Kevin Martin-- but I mainly just want to see them on the big stage. I don't think they're better, but it would be cool nonetheless. Multiple All-Star games, anyone?
EAST ALL-STARS
StartersEveryone here is good, but I have a slight beef with A.I. as a starting guard versus someone like
Rajon Rondo (snubbed),
Jameer Nelson (a reserve), Jose Calderon (snubbed), Mo Williams (snub) or Joe Johnson (reserve). A.I. is awesome in the All-Star games, but I still would rather see some new blood in the starting lineup.
Reserves/SnubsLooks good (even though I absolutely
despise Paul Pierce!), but I'm very disappointed there is no love for Rondo, Calderon,
Duhon, Williams, Andrew
Bogut, or David Lee.
Rajon Rondo keeps the Celtics moving. I honestly don't think they would be near the caliber they actually are if it weren't for him. A travesty not having him play. He's a budding superstar. I bet money he becomes an All-Star next year.
Jose Calderon is
essential to Toronto (look at their record when he's unable to play), and he plays like an elite PG. So, what's the deal, coaches? Nothing? The guy is an assist machine, shoots extremely well, and runs a team like a PG should. What more can the guy do?
Chris Duhon. I know he's probably the most controversial, but he does keep the
Knicks moving. He puts up great numbers (except his
FG%), and for awhile, he handled a ton of minutes that would have most players gasping for breath. He's got a heavy responsibility, and I don't think some
PG's would make it. You decide.
Mo Williams is a large reason the
Cavs are in the position they are-- bumping up with the absolute elite teams in the league. Huge baskets from this kid every night, and
LeBron can finally relax a little bit. If he isn't playing at an All-Star level, I just don't know anymore.
The Aussie is a beast.
Andrew Bogut definitely deserves a shout for All-Star recognition. He's consistent, shoots well, rebounds, and defends (not amazingly, but good). All the things a center should do. What gives? There aren't many players that are putting up better numbers than him. Can you name them? Yeah, they're All-Stars. And their numbers aren't that much better.
David Lee: (see above reasoning for Andrew
Bogut)
The East All-Stars has me a little more
perturbed than the West. On one hand you have
shoe ins like
LeBron and Wade, and then on the other hand you have first-timers who (while playing really, really well) should be reconsidered.
Side note: I hate-- I mean I HATE-- that announcers, commentators, and reporters are bringing up team records when discussing All-Stars. This is NOT the MVP voting!! Everyone knows the All-Star game is all about bringing the best individual players together-- regardless of what their team is actually doing. Ugh. It just rubs me the wrong way.
