2012 NBA All-Star Roster: Deron Williams and 22 Players Who Should Be Reserves

With the starters announced for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, it's time to turn our attention to the reserves, which are set to be announced next week.

This is a look at the guys that deserve to be reserves, not necessarily the guys that will be reserves.

There's a big difference.

Some deserving guys get left off the roster every year in favor of veterans not necessarily having All-Star seasons, but have had All-Star careers.

Here's a look at some of those guys that are the most deserving to head to Orlando for the All-Star Game this season.

Deron Williams

The New Jersey Nets are struggling, but Williams is having another All-Star season.

He's averaging a solid 20.5 points and 8.5 assists per game, the highest scoring average of his career.

Much has been made about his long-term future plans, but his short-term future should include a trip to the All-Star Game.

Brandon Jennings

Jennings has really come of age this season and is showing signs of becoming one of the better point guards in the NBA.

He's averaging 20.5 points per night and has the Milwaukee Bucks competing for a playoff spot.

Jennings deserves the recognition this year.

Josh Smith

Smith is putting together a solid all-around season for Atlanta and deserves to be an All-Star for the first time.

A solid 15.2 points and 8.9 rebounds on a nightly basis plus a solid job on the defensive end from Smith is a big reason why the Hawks are still winning despite the loss of Al Horford.

Joe Johnson

Speaking of the Atlanta Hawks and winning without Al Horford, there should be a spot for Johnson on the Eastern Conference roster as well.

He's been a leader and a consistent scorer at 18.7 points per game.

Atlanta could have seen their season go in the tank but instead are 16-7.  That should be rewarded.

Rajon Rondo

This depends on when Rondo returns to the lineup for the Boston Celtics.

In this year's shortened and condensed season, it's hard to reward a guy for missing considerable time, no matter how great he is.

Rondo is on track to return against the New York Knicks on Friday, so he's worthy of another All-Star Game appearance.

Danny Granger

The Pacers deserve an All-Star after the great start to their season.

Granger is a quality candidate for a reserve spot, currently averaging 18.3 points per game on a 15-6 team.

Roy Hibbert

With Horford injured, the Eastern Conference needs a backup center to Dwight Howard.

That spot should go to Hibbert, who has averaged 14.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.

Hibbert's definitely worthy of a selection.

Chris Bosh

Bosh is having a great year and without a doubt should be headed to Orlando with 20.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Andre Iguodala

How do you not reward the Sixers with an All-Star after the 16-6 start of the season they've had?

The Sixers don't have a legitimate superstar and have seven guys averaging double-figures, but Iguodala deserves the nod.

He's a do-everything type of player and has embraced that role.

Danilo Gallinari

The Nuggets are another team that should be rewarded with an All-Star for their impressive start to the season.

Gallinari is having a very good season, averaging 17.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

He doesn't have much of a chance to make the team, but he deserves to.

Monta Ellis

Ellis should be a lock to make the Western Conference team.

At 21.5 points per game, he's the ninth-best scorer in the league.

David Lee

It's hard to reward an 8-12 team with a pair of All-Stars, but Lee is worthy as well. He's averaged a solid 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per night.

Those are All-Star numbers.

Kevin Martin

Martin is having a very good season, averaging 21.0 points per night.

He's deserving of consideration, but will probably be left off the Western Conference roster.

Kyle Lowry

Lowry has been great for the Rockets.

He's made himself one of the better point guards in the NBA and should be on the Western Conference team, but there are only so many spots and Lowry could end up being a big snub.

Rudy Gay

There's no doubting this guy is an All-Star. The only question is if he will make the Western Conference team.

It would be borderline criminal if he didn't.

He's averaged a solid 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and has been the best player on a pretty good Memphis team.

Marc Gasol

The Western Conference needs a backup center behind Andrew Bynum. Gasol should be the top candidate.

Gasol has averaged 14.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per night.

That should be enough to get him on the roster.

Kevin Love

No-brainer here.

Love should probably be in the starting lineup with his 25.3 points and 13.6 rebounds per game averages.

Russell Westbrook

Westbrook should be a lock for a backup guard spot.

21.9 points per game and 5.7 assists per night on the NBA's best team should be enough for him to make it.

Marcin Gortat

Gortat can make a case for himself for the backup center spot in the West as well.

It's been a very solid season for him, with averages of 15.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

The poor record of the Phoenix Suns could cost him, though.

LaMarcus Aldridge

Something is seriously wrong if Aldridge gets snubbed for a second consecutive season.

He's averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per night.

Those numbers should get him into the game, but it's no guarantee that he makes the Western Conference roster.

Tony Parker

Parker has been very good for the Spurs.

Considering the fact that San Antonio lost Manu Ginobili and they keep winning, attention should be drawn to his stat line that boasts a solid 17.1 points and 7.6 assists per game.

Al Jefferson

The Utah Jazz are another team that likely should be rewarded with an All-Star.

Both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap deserve consideration, but especially Jefferson, who has averaged 18.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game for the surprising Jazz.