USA vs. the World: A Revolutionary Idea to Fix the NBA All-Star Game Debacle

The NBA All-Star Game starters were announced yesterday and to be honest, I was underwhelmed by the results. Here are the selections:

East Starters:

Center: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Power Forward: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

Small Forward: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Shooting Guard: Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat

Point Guard: Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers

West Starters:

Center: Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns

Forward: Carmelo Anthony , Denver Nuggets

Forward: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Guard: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Guard: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Allen Iverson, what more can I say about this that hasn't already been said? At least this year the positions actually seem more defined, but still they have Amare Stoudamire (a Forward last year) playing at Center. Where is the consistency in that? This whole All-Star thing needs to be fixed.

Well, your good friend Chase Ruttig has come up with the solution to this debacle:

The United States Vs. the World

This would be a vast improvement over the sometimes embarrassing and lopsided All-Star games of the past and would allow the rightful players to play and start in the game.

The format would go as follows:

1. Any player n ot born inside the U.S. will play for the World Team

This means that the teams would be a lot more even than the Olympics. The World Team would include the likes of Nash, Parker, Ginobli, the Gasol brothers, Nowitzki and to a lesser extent, Turkoglu.

This would make for a much more competitive atmosphere and there would be pride at stake, because honestly, is there any pride in beating a conference you could be playing in next year?

2. NBA sets list of players eligible to be All-Star starter 

This idea helps prevent certain stupid 11-year olds from voting for Iverson and McGrady even if they haven't seen a NBA court more than twice during their seasons.

Also, this prevents the infamous China vote from occurring which makes Iverson, Yao, and McGrady routine All-Star regulars, while Chris Bosh and Rajon Rondo sit at home.

The list likely would be adjusted to accommodate players who have been having a good first half, so all the Danny Grangers of the world could make their case.

3. Reserves are picked by the coaches as usual

Nothing is wrong with this idea, as the reserve process almost always fixes the injustices in the voting.

4. Positions must be more tightly defined 

This is the part that pisses me off to no end. The current format allows for one center, two forwards, and two guards.

What is this, high school basketball?

Duncan is not a swing man and Iverson and Wade are surely not playmakers, so why should the All-Star Game be any different?

Tighten up the positions and have the best players in their respective positions.  If your not the best at your position, you should not be a starter at another position, it's as simple as that.

5. Winner gets some sort of trophy 

This should be some sort of event that gives the winner some sort of pride and makes the game a tad faster. Plus, the U.S. loves proving they are better than everyone else, so this could likely turnout to be a big-time event.

Well, that's my idea, so tell me your opinions on my plan by providing feedback on my article below. Include what you think your lineups would be and who would win.