Hard core NBA basketball fans often consider the All Star game more of a fun game for fans rather than a serious match. Fans get the privilege of voting for the starting lineup, while the coaches select the reserves. One of the biggest complaints typically heard about the game is that the top All Stars aren't always selected. This is because casual fans will vote on name recognition over a player's accomplishments for that season. In past years, players have been voted to the starting lineup who haven't even played a single game in that season due to injury. With that in mind, here's a guide as to what players really deserve to play in the 2009 NBA All Star game, which will be held February 15, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ.
Eastern ConferenceStarting Five:
- C. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic - This is a no-brainer. Howard has emerged as the most dominant center in the NBA, averaging 20.2 ppg, 14.1 rbpg with 3.2 bspg for the team tied with the best record in the NBA.
- F. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers - It would be shocking if Granger was voted into the starting lineup, and that's understandable given that the Pacers have only won 15 games. Yet, Granger has been phenomenal, averaging 26.2 ppg and 5.1 rbpg on a team with not much of a supporting cast.
- F. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers - Even after the Cavs lost badly to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, LeBron should still be considered the top candidate for MVP this season. He's the main reason the Cavs have won 80% of its games, and he averages 27.8 ppg, 7.2 rbpg, 6.8 apg, 2.0 spg and shoots 50% from the field.
- G. Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat - Wade has helped this young team make a big turnaround from last season, averaging 28.8 ppg, 4.9 rbpg, 7.3 apg and 2.3 spg.
- G. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks - Johnson's been up and down lately, but he's still had an excellent season, averaging 22.0 ppg, 4.5 apg and 6.0 rbpg for the 25-16 Hawks.
Reserves:
- C. Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons - Sheed hasn't been stellar, but he's been solid, especially on the defensive end. There aren't many options for backup center in the East.
- F. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics - Numbers won't wow anybody, but Garnett's been solid at both ends and has helped lead the Celtics to a solid record.
- F. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors - Bosh has been the usual Bosh, when he's been healthy. The Raptors have been awful, but there aren't many other options here.
- F. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons - The Pistons are still trying to find themselves after acquiring Allen Iverson. Prince has been the team's best player.
- F. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics - He's been inconsistent this season, but he has led the Celtics to a nice record.
- G. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks - Bibby has been one of the main reason for the Hawks' success this season. He's been the point guard they've needed for a long time.
- G. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets - He's quieted down a bit of late, but for a long stretch, he was sensational.
Summary
Starters: C Dwight Howard, F Danny Granger, F LeBron James, G Dwayne Wade, G Joe Johnson
Reserves: C Rasheed Wallace, F Chris Bosh, F Kevin Garnett, F Tayshaun Prince, F Paul Pierce, G Devin Harris, G Mike Bibby
