2011 NBA All-Star Debate: Blake Griffin by the Numbers

We all know what an awesome rookie campaign Mr. Blake Griffin is having.  As the All-Star game approaches, discussions have heated up among commentators and fans on whether Blake Griffin should make the team.

Below is a list of Western Conference forward candidates I deem worthy of consideration.

1. Kevin Durant
2. Carmelo Anthony
3. Tim Duncan
4. Pau Gasol
5. Zach Randolph
6. Blake Griffin
7. Kevin Love
   
8. Michael Beasley
   
9. Lamarcus Aldridge
   
10. Dirk Nowitzki
    
11. Luis Scola
12. Lamar Odom
    
13. Rudy Gay

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First and foremost, Duncan, Odom and Beasley are not having as good of a season as the other players on the list.  Timmy will make it simply because he is Tim freaking Duncan and Odom is only receiving votes because he is wearing a Lakers uniform.  I strongly believe Duncan will be the starting center for the West.  Durant and Carmelo are locks thanks to the fans voting them in as starters. Pau Gasol won't garner enough votes to be a starter but will make the team as a center or forward.  That leaves at most three spots of the remaining seven players.

Dirk is the lone standout among this bunch as the clear cut No. 1 scorer on his team. Nowitzki's proven ability to help his team win games gives him the nod over the six young forwards. Scola and Aldridge are worthy of being mentioned but will not be considered any further due to inferior numbers.

Based purely on player statistics and merits, Griffin should be in.  Now, if you count the extra media buzz he will generate as one of the most explosive and entertaining player in the league who delivers crowd-invigorating dunks.  In addition, Griffin will represent L.A.'s other team for the hosts. Blake Griffin as a 2011 All-Star is a no-brainer!

Despite the negative point differentials for Griffin, his ewins statistics show he contributes the most to his team's victories compare to the other studs in the table.

Coaches of the NBA, please do the right thing and put Blake Griffin in the All-Star game. Putting TD at center is no slight to his legend and the forward spot should be reserved for a better current performer and future star. This is what the fans want. WE WANT BLAKE! WE WANT BLAKE!

Bill Simmons of ESPN
Evan Clinchy of NESN
Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers

ALL WANT BLAKE!!