NBA All-Star Game 2012: 5 Starters We're Most Excited to See

NBA All-Star Weekend will draw out big-time names and big-time celebrities to watch big-time players.

For one weekend, the basketball world will revolve around Orlando.

With an injection of youth and fresh faces in this year's starting lineup, the game promises to be high scoring and highly-entertaining.

Here are the top five starters to watch.

5. Chris Paul

Chris Paul will be making his fifth consecutive appearance in the All-Star game after leading the Clippers to a 13-7 record and Pacific division lead.

CP3 remains the smoothest floor general that the league has to offer, and will be expected to bring some of “Lob City” to Orlando.

In 15 games, Paul's averages of 18.9 points, 9.1 assists, and 2.4 steals rank among the top five at his position.

While playing on a younger team and in a larger market, Paul has been the key factor during the Clippers’ renaissance.

His ability to score, pass and create open shots for teammates is ideal for this high-scoring affair.

To see how quickly Paul operates, start this video at the 6:32 mark.

4. Derrick Rose

The reigning MVP is definitely worthy of his third bid to the All-Star game.

Aside from leading the Chicago Bulls to the best record in the Eastern conference, Rose is leading the point guard position at 23.5 points per game. 

His speed and attacking nature are exactly what the midseason exhibition calls for—lots of points.

The master of the spin-move has earned himself the nickname “The Contortionist” and has proven to be one of the most powerful dunkers in the NBA, with efforts like this.

3. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin will be making his second All-Star appearance in just as many years—this time as a starter.

His ascension to stardom isn't only because of his freakish dunking ability.

While shooting 52.6 percent, Griffin has accumulated season averages of 21.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 17 double-doubles—placing top-four in each category among power forwards.

Given that he’ll be playing alongside his personal point guard, Chris Paul, it would be no surprise to see this poster-child-turned-t-shirt boy add to his collection of highlights.

2. LeBron James

James has been the best player in the NBA this season, and it’s not even close.

With fellow All-Star teammate, Dwyane Wade, missing nine games due to an assortment of injuries; James has led the Miami Heat to a 16-6 record.

His season averages of 29.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists do not justify the type of impact he has on the court.

With a unique blend of power, speed and balance, James has the ability to make this game his own personal showcase.

Aside from being one of the premier shot-blockers at the small forward position, he remains the only player that can compare with Blake Griffin in the highlight dunk department.

1. Dwight Howard

I can’t be wrong here. 

But if I am, so are the other 1.6 million people that made Dwight Howard the overall leading vote-getter.

This is his city. This is his arena. This is his event.

In recent years, the center has used the All-Star game as a platform to increase his brand and popularity.

His participation in three consecutive Slam Dunk Contests (2007-2009) helped revive a fading tradition.

According to ESPN, Howard’s averages of 20.1 points, 15.4 rebounds, 1.45 steals, 1.95 blocks, 55.4 percent field goal percentage, and 17 double-doubles rank among the top-five in each category for centers.

Since it’s still a possibility that the Magic will trade Howard before the All-Star game, there could be an additional meaning to this year’s exhibition game in Orlando.