NBA All-Star Game 2012: 8 Players Who Got Screwed

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Many deserving players were snubbed this year.

The NBA All-Star reserves were announced yesterday, and as always, many players who don't belong got the nod over more deserving stars.

On Feb. 26 in Orlando, the best of the NBA are supposed to square off in the 2012 NBA All-Star game.

Unfortunately for viewers, they won't be seeing the most premiere players in the league.

Here are 8 All-Star snubs:

James Harden

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Stats: 16.8 PPG, 3.5 APG, 4.1 RPG and 47% FG

James Harden is not an All-Star, and we're both perplexed.

Harden was quoted as saying,

"I look at the guards [who weren't already voted in] in the West and there's not very many that have been playing well. It's all up to the coaches. I can only control what I can control and keep playing hard and play good."

Harden has improved immensely from last season, scoring four more points per game, shooting more than three percent better and he's playing starter's minutes at 31.2 a game.

Brandon Jennings

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Stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.3 RPG and 42% FG

Brandon Jennings has single-handedly led the Milwaukee Bucks to two victories over the heavyweight Miami Heat.

While his assist numbers aren't high for a point guard, Jennings has consistently scored the basketball all season long.

The Bucks currently hold the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference, and that's due, in large part, to the exceptional play of Jennings. 

Monta Ellis

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Stats: 22.2 PPG, 6.1 APG, 3.2 RPG and 43% FG

Monta Ellis defines a snub.

He ranks sixth in the league in scoring, averaging 22.6 PPG.

He's also dishing out more than six assists a game, which is more than the average shooting guard, and carried the load when Stephen Curry missed time with an ankle injury.

Perhaps if Ellis wasn't playing for a losing squad we wouldn't have to discuss this.

Josh Smith

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Stats: 15.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.0 BLKPG and 47% FG

If there was a list for constant All-Star snubs, Josh Smith would be No.1.

Again, Smith is averaging more points and rebounds than his career numbers, and again he's been left off of the All-Star squad.

He's the leading rebounder and shot blocker on the Atlanta Hawks, as well as the second-leading scorer.

Smith will make it there one year, but unfortunately it won't be 2012.

Rudy Gay

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Stats: 18.4 PPG, 2.0 APG, 6.7 RPG and 44% FG 

If it weren't for his teammate Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay would probably be in the All-Star game.

He's the leading scorer on a weak Memphis team—with weak being the keyword.

It's a shame when deserving players miss out on the All-Star game because of the team they play for.

Rajon Rondo

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Stats: 13.6 PPG, 9.6 APG, 4.6 RPG and 50% FG

Rajon Rondo is the best part of an aging Boston Celtics club.

Without the play of Rondo, the Celtics could potentially be on the outside looking in of the top eight spots in the Eastern Conference.

Instead they're sitting at seventh in the Conference despite the decline of the original "Big Three."

Only Steve Nash dishes out more assists a game than Rondo.

Somehow Paul Pierce, who's assist numbers are the only impressive aspect of his game this season, got the nod over Rondo.

Ryan Anderson

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Stats: 16.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 84% FT and 43% FG

Ryan Anderson has excelled in his new role as power forward for the Orlando Magic

Despite sharing the paint with Dwight Howard, Anderson is averaging career-highs in practically every statistical category.

Anderson was not guaranteed a starting role at the beginning of the season, and he used that as motivation to put together an All-Star type season.

Well, almost. 

Al Jefferson

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Stats: 18.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.6 BLKPG and 47% FG

Al Jefferson is the Utah Jazz's leading scorer, shot blocker and barely trails teammate Paul Millsap in rebounds.

The play of Jefferson and Millsap has helped the Jazz stay afloat in the Western Conference as the eighth seed.

Jefferson ranks second among centers in points per game—behind only Dwight Howard.

Jefferson is deserving of an All-Star spot.