The fans have spoken and the 2013 NBA All Star Game starters have been selected. The Eastern Conference starters are: (1) Rajon Rondo, (2) Dwyane Wade, (3) Lebron James, (4) Carmelo Anthony, and (5) Kevin Garnett. The Western Conference starters are: (1) Chris Paul, (2) Kobe Bryant, (3) Kevin Durant, (4)Blake Griffin, and (5) Dwight Howard. At least one starter from each team should not be in the starting lineup. But, when the fans decide, the selection process becomes a popularity contest. Either way, tomorrow night the All Star reserves will be announced for each respective conference. Below I will discuss who I think should be included in the 2013 NBA All Star Game.
Player: Kyrie Irving
Conference: Eastern
Team Record: 11-32 (Not in playoff contention)
**Unfortunately for Kyrie, his team's terrible record will keep him out of the NBA All Star game this year.** His individual stat line is ridiculous- 23.3 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.6 RPG and 1.8 SPG. However, great players on bad teams hardly ever make it into the game. I cannot remember the last great player on a truly bad team that was selected to an all star game.
Player: James Harden
Conference: Western
Team Record: 22-21(8th seed in West)
James Harden is a lock for the game. He has been the best shooting guard in the Western Conference not named Kobe Bryant this year. I also have to give him a lot of credit for arriving in a new city and immediately becoming the franchise player. His stat line is quite impressive-26.3 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.4 RPG, and 1.9 SPG.
Player: Chris Bosh
Conference: Eastern
Team Record: 26-12 (Best record in East)
Chris Bosh's worth is often underestimated because he is the third best player on an outstanding team. When he is in the lineup, he creates space for Lebron and D. Wade because he is a great jump shooter. The opposing team's center has to leave the paint to guard him. In turn, teams are unable to double team LBJ and D.Wade, which creates easy opportunities. His stat line-17.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.4 BPG.
Player: Russell Westbrook
Conference: Western
Team Record: 33-9 (Best record in the NBA)
Russell Westbrook receives a lot of criticism because his style of play can be erratic and out-of-control. That does not bother me as much as his unwillingness to defer to Kevin Durant during crucial moments of games. If he ever realizes that he is Robin and Kevin Durant is Batman, the Thunder will be an even more dangerous than they already are (scary). Stat line-22.4 PPG, 8.3 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG. And, he is playing on the team with the best record in the NBA.
Player: David Lee
Conference: Western
Team Record: 25-15 (5th seed in West)
David Lee is having an outstanding season for the Golden State Warriors. His individual success has translated into wins for his team and he deserves an all star nod. David Lee has been a very consistent player in the NBA, but because he has almost always played on a terrible team, he has never made an all star team. Despite his outstanding season, the best event that could have happened for his all star chances was Kevin Love's injury. His stat line-19.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 52.9% FG.
This year, a lot of players deserve serious consideration for the all star teams. But, as always, some players will fall victim to the infamous "all star game snub." In previous years, Josh Smith, Carmelo Anthony, and other good players were left off the all star team. The NBA is a business and the politics of the business necessitate that certain players must be included (Tim Duncan) while others (Zach Randolph) will probably watch the game from their homes.
Peace
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