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.
Western Conference
Starting Five:
- C. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets - Houston's had an up and down season, mostly due to injuries. Yao's the biggest reason they've still won 63% of their games, despite those injuries. He's averaging 19.9 ppg, 9.6 rbpg, while shooting 54% from the field and 86% from the foul line.
- F. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs - Despite missing star guards, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, for big chunks of the season already, the Spurs have the exact same record as they did at this point last season (28-13). Duncan deserves big kudos for that. After 11.5 seasons, he's still Mr. Consistent, and has averaged 20.4 ppg, 10.2 rbpg and 1.8 bspg thus far.
- F. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks - The Mavericks are having a tough time keeping in the playoff race due to the depth of the Western Conference. Dirk's who's keeping their hopes alive, averaging 26.0 ppg and 8.4 rbpg.
- G. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe hasn't had to over-exert himself so far. The Lakers have the depth to let him take a back seat once in a while. Yet, he's still one of the very best in the NBA and he doesn't let fans forget it, averaging 26.8 ppg, 5.7 rbpg and 5.2 apg for the team tied for having the best record in the NBA.
- G. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets - Paul's numbers are amazing, and they're a huge reason why the Hornets are near the top of the West again. He's averaging 21.2 ppg, 11.0 apg, 5.5 rbpg and 2.7 spg, while shooting 50% from the field and 87% from the line.
Reserves:
- C. Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns - Marcus Camby's a possible candidate here, too, but Shaq's been the Suns' recent success with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire still trying to find their way in a new system.
- F. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers - Gasol's doing great things on a great team, averaging 17.5 ppg, 9.2 rbpg.
- F. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns - Though his numbers are solid, this has been a bit of a let down season for Amare compared to last season. Still, he's the next best forward in the West.
- G. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets - Billups reinvented the Denver Nuggets after being traded for Allen Iverson.
- G. Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers - He's been sensational leading the young Blazers team to playoff contension, averaging 22.3 ppg, 5.2 rbpg and 4.7 apg.
- G. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks - Kidd's shown he's still got some magic left. He edges out Steve Nash.
- G. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs - Though he's missed nine games so far this season, he's been sensational in the ones he's played in, averaging 20.4 ppg, 6.7 apg, while shooting 50% from the field.
Summary
Starters: C Yao Ming, F Tim Duncan, F Dirk Nowitzki, G Kobe Bryant, G Chris Paul
Reserves: C Shaquille O'Neal, F Pau Gasol, F Amare Stoudemire, G Brandon Roy, G Tony Parker, G Jason Kidd, G Chauncey Billups
