NBA All-Star Game 2012: Which Players Should Be Added to the Roster?

The NBA All-Star game is right around corner. It's almost sad to think that this lockout-shortened season is already a third of the way through. But enough with the regular-season games when teams have to rely on chemistry and defense to win. I mean, seriously, who likes watching team basketball?

No one! So, every year the NBA is nice enough to bless us devoted fans with a star-studded All-Star weekend filled with high-flying dunks and flashy passes.

A few days ago, the starters for the All-Star game were announced. The Miami Heat led the Eastern Conference with two starters, LeBron James at power forward and Dwyane Wade at shooting guard. On the Western Conference side, the Los Angeles Lakers led the way with two starters, Kobe Bryant at shooting guard and Andrew Bynum at center.

Derrick Rose and Chris Paul are the starting point guards for each side, which arguably is the most exciting matchup in the game. Dwight Howard will start for the Eastern Conference at center. He led all voters with almost 1.6 million votes. Also, Kevin Durant was selected to start at small forward for the Western Conference at no surprise.

However, like always, I have my criticisms about the starting lineup. I would have liked to see Chris Bosh start in place of Carmelo Anthony, who is shooting a horrendous 40 percent from the field and is part of the reason for the Knicks' slow start.

On the Western Conference side, there is no doubt that Kevin Love should be starting at power forward. Not only is Love putting up better than numbers than Blake Griffin, but he is more valuable to his team. But the All-Star game is supposed to be for the fans and the NBA does a good job by letting the fans select the starters.

The All-Star reserves, however, will be selected by the NBA coaches.

This year's potential reserves are as numerous and productive as they come. Not everybody that deserves to make the All-Star game will get the chance to play in Orlando, however.

So, without further ado, here are the reserve chances of 35 potential All-Stars.

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry has emerged as one of the league's better point guards. He has been averaging 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists, and is one of the main reasons the Houston Rockets have a winning record (13-10) this season.

There is no doubt that Lowry is a solid starting point guard. While his stats are gaudy, his field-goal percentage is a dismal 38 percent.

Add that to the fact that Lowry plays in the same conference as Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook and Steve Nash, and you end up with a very tiny chance that Lowry makes the roster.

Chances: 1 percent

Andrea Bargnani

Andrea Bargnani isn't your traditional center. If you take a peek at his averages (23 points and 6.5 rebounds), you might think he plays small forward.

But Bargnani is a seven-foot center. While he is a very good shooter and scorer for his size, he is an awful rebounder.

There are only two reasons why Bargnani even averages 23 points per game in the first place: 1) He is actually a good scorer, or 2) He plays for the Raptors (8-16) and is forced to shoot the ball.

Any way you look at it, Bargnani has no shot at making the All-Star roster because of the Raptors' record and lack of media coverage. Sorry, Andrea.

Chances: 1 percent

Kyrie Irving

This year's No. 1 draft pick has come out of the gates red-hot to start the season. Irving has been averaging 18 points while shooting a ridiculous 51 percent from the floor. He is the main reason the Cleveland Cavaliers are chasing the Eastern Conference's eighth seed.

And while Irving has certainly done enough to be the front-runner for this year's Rookie of the Year award, he is still a rookie. And rookies almost never make the All-Star game.

Next season will be a different story for the Duke alum. I see many All-Star appearances coming his way.

Chances: 3 percent

Marcin Gortat

The Phoenix Suns are currently 8-14 and 13th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference standings.

This year was seen as a rebuilding year, as the Suns figure out what they want to do with two-time MVP Steve Nash. But like every rebuilding process, there will be a couple of years of misery.

Luckily for the Suns, however, Marcin Gortat has emerged as a viable long-term option at center. So far this season, he is averaging 5.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and just under two blocks. Those may seem like All-Star numbers for many fans.

However, the coaches who select the reserves can pick larger forwards to play center if they feel that there isn't a viable backup option at center.

This gives Gortat almost no shot at making the roster. The coaches will recognize one of two things: 1) Marcin Gortat is...Wait, who is Marcin Gortat?, or 2) Geez, he plays for the Suns.

Chances: 5 percent

James Harden

There is no question that James Harden is the Sixth Man of the Year so far this season. He is a huge reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder have the best winning percentage in the league.

But is that good enough for a trip to Orlando?

No. While Harden has been outstanding (16.1 points, 3.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds on 37 percent three-point shooting) coming off the bench, there are more deserving guards in the West.

Chances: 7 percent

Ray Allen/Kevin Garnett

There is no doubt that Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are first-ballot Hall of Famers. They are two of the greatest players in NBA history.

But it's time for the older guys to make room for the younger guys. Garnett is averaging fewer than  14 points and 8 rebounds. And while Ray Allen is averaging a ridiculous 56 percent from beyond the arc, there are other players more deserving of being an All-Star.

Besides, the Celtics are a disappointing 12-10 right now and only have the East's seventh seed.

Boston only deserves to send two players to Orlando, and it isn't Allen or Garnett.

Chances: 10 percent

Andre Iguodala

The Philadelphia 76ers (16-7) have emerged as a serious playoff threat by playing tough, gritty defense and having extraordinary team chemistry.

With that being said, the coaches might try to sneak in a charity 76er (probably Andre Iguodala) to reward them for the team's success.

But no one on the 76ers deserves to be an All-Star, and, quite frankly, I think the 76ers are content with that. They are thriving right now by being an under-the-radar type of team with no standout superstar.

Iguodala, who is the team's de facto leader, is a do-it-all kind of player. But his stats aren't All-Star level (13.1 points, 5.0 assists, 6.7 rebounds).

That's alright, though. Nothing changes the fact that the 76ers have a good bunch of guys playing ball for them right now.

Chances: 15 percent

Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin is a very good scorer (21.0 points per game). But in reality, that's all he does.

He doesn't average nearly enough assists (2.7 assists) or rebounds (3.3 rebounds) to be a serious threat to make the West's squad.

I don't see anybody making the Western Conference All-Star Team from the Houston Rockets.

Chances: 15 percent

Danilo Gallinari

The Denver Nuggets have emerged as serious playoff threat through incredible depth and an excellent, fast-paced offense.

Danilo Gallinari has benefited immensely from George Karl's fast-break attack that allows him to get in the open court and knock down open jumpers and get easy drives to the lane.

And while he is the offensive leader on the West's second-seeded team, the Nuggets are much like the 76ers. They just lack an elite player.

That's makes it extremely difficult for either the 76ers or the Nuggets to get someone on the All-Star team.

Chances: 17 percent

Amare Stoudemire

Amare Stoudemire has been plagued with injuries all season (knees and ankles), and except for a standout performance against the Chicago Bulls a few nights ago (34 points, 11 rebounds), Stoudemire hasn't really done anything.

He also has been involved in many trade rumors and has been the target of criticism by many people, who say that his weak knees will prevent him from ever playing at an elite level again. That criticism is partially justified, since Stoudemire has only had one 25-plus point game all season.

There are a lot of problems surrounding the Knicks (8-16) right now. I think that merits only one player from New York making the trip to Orlando.

Chances: 20 percent

Greg Monroe

There aren't too many things going for the Detroit Pistons (5-20) right now. Luckily for Detroit, they have one of the best young centers in the league in Greg Monroe.

He is averaging 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds. And while Monroe's stats are certainly enough for him to be the back-up to Dwight Howard in the East, his age (21) and the fact that he plays for the Pistons will hold him back from getting on the squad.

Chances: 25 percent

David Lee

David Lee is one of the premier low-post threats in the NBA today. He averages nearly a double-double a game (18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds).

However, he doesn't play any sort of defense and is on an extremely underachieving Golden State squad (8-12).

And while his lack of defense would make him feel right at home in the All-Star game, he doesn't play nearly enough in the first place to make the team.

Chances: 27 percent

Rudy Gay

After a somewhat sluggish start , Rudy Gay is now averaging 18 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.

Despite having All-Star power forward Zach Randolph out of the lineup due to an injury, Gay and center Marc Gasol have the Grizzlies (12-10) situated right outside the West's eighth seed.

Is that enough for Gay to get his first All-Star nod?

I don't think so, considering center Gasol is more deserving of the nod to begin with. Plus, the Grizzlies aren't playing well enough right now to have two guys go to Orlando.

Chances: 30 percent

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan has made 13 All-Star games and started in 12 straight. He is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, and three-time NBA finals MVP.

He's 35 now and his productivity has fallen dramatically over the last couple of years despite the Spurs still being championship contenders.

Duncan might got a charity nod this season as an acclamation for his life-time achievements, but it's time for the younger breed of forwards in the West to get their chance to shine.

Besides, if you gave Duncan the choice between playing in the All-Star game or staying at home to rest, he'll probably choose the latter.

Chances: 33 percent

Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol's numbers aren't necessarily down this year (16 points, 9 rebounds per game), but the play of the Los Angeles Lakers is.

The Lakers are sitting at a disappointing 14-9 and are only the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

And since the Lakers have disappointed so far, they don't deserve to send three guys to Orlando. Besides, there are far more deserving forwards/centers in the West who should make the team.

And dare I say, a more deserving Gasol?

Chances: 35 percent

Roy Hibbert

The Indiana Pacers (16-6) are currently the Eastern Conference's third seed. They are a young group of guys who have excellent team chemistry and play tenacious defense.

Roy Hibbert (13.8 points and 10.0 rebounds) has been outstanding and is one of the main reasons the Pacers have excelled thus far.

However, much like the 76ers and Nuggets, the Pacers don't have a true superstar. Does that mean they won't get an All-Star this season?

No, they will. But it won't be Roy Hibbert.

Chances: 37 percent

Paul Millsap

Paul Millsap is an extremely underrated power forward. Since Carlos Boozer left for Chicago, Millsap has filled that role for the Utah Jazz.

And boy, he has developed into a great player. Last season he averaged 17 points and seven  rebounds. This season he's been averaging 17 points and nine rebounds.

Millsap is one of the biggest reasons the Jazz (12-9) are the West's seventh seed right now.

But is it enough to land a trip to Orlando?

I'm afraid not. However, on the bright side, Millsap will make an All-Star game in the next few years if he keeps up his current play.

I just think a certain someone on the Jazz is more deserving of the nod this season.

Chances: 40 percent

Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson is a very good basketball player. He's a five-time All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks and their franchise player.

But is he really a $20 million man? Absolutely not.

Johnson is an excellent scorer but doesn't do much else (18.7 points, four assists, four rebounds per game).

Atlanta is certainly a legitimate threat to make a playoff run this season, but Johnson isn't the most dynamic player on the Hawks.

That's why he doesn't get my nod. There's a strong possibility Johnson will end up as a reserve, but in my eyes, there is a more deserving Hawk who should make the squad.

Chances: 43 percent

Rajon Rondo

There is no question that Rajon Rondo is a perennial All-Star and one of the best point guards in the NBA .

There is also no question that Rondo has been fantastic this season (14.2 points and 9.2 assists per game).

However, the Celtics have struggled (12-10) and are only the seventh seed in the East.

On top of that, Rondo has missed eight of the Celtics' games thus far, and the C's were 6-2 in his absence.

While Rondo will probably make the squad, he's missed too many games and the Celtics are struggling too badly to send more than one player to Orlando.

Chances: 45 percent

Marc Gasol

I really wanted to put Gasol on the West squad. But I couldn't.

While he has done a phenomenal job picking up the slack with Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay out,  the Grizzlies are only 12-10 and are currently out of the playoffs. Gasol is averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per contest.

Could Gasol very well make the squad? Yes.

Should he? I don't know.

There is a another center in the West who plays for a better team, averages more points and slightly fewer rebounds. For that, Gasol doesn't deserve to make the squad.

Chances: 47 percent

Tony Parker

Despite Manu Ginobili's injury and Tim Duncan's decreased productivity, the Spurs are still the fourth seed in the Western Conference, thanks to the play of Tony Parker.

Every year, we all say the Spurs are too old to compete. However, they just keep competing.

Parker is the biggest reason why. He keeps the offense rolling (7.5 assists) and efficient, and  also gives the Spur's much-needed scoring (17.1 points).

Parker is a three-time NBA champion and three-time All-Star, and he could be on his way to his fourth All-Star appearance.

There is no question that Parker is deserving of a spot on the Western Conference roster. But I just don't think he will be selected, considering there are a few other guys who stand out and score more than him.

Don't be surprised, however, if you see Parker suiting up in Orlando.

Chances: 50 percent

Brandon Jennings

Brandon Jennings is a really young kid (22) with a lot of potential.

Potential to be a perennial All-Star. Jennings averaged 15.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game his first two seasons on only 37.9 percent shooting. His shooting percentage was so bad it had many people calling Jennings overrated.

However, Jennings has silenced his critics this season, averaging 20.5 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field.

Not bad. But if you take into consideration that Jennings has done this despite a struggling Stephen Jackson and an injured Andrew Bogut and still has the Bucks in the playoffs, you realize that he is deserving of his first All-Star nod.

I think he'll get it as a guard for the East.

Chances: 53 percent

Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson has an unusual scoring style in the post.

But, hey, it works for him.

It works pretty darn well. Jefferson was brought in from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2010 to play center for the Utah Jazz. Since Deron Williams was traded to Nets, Jefferson has emerged as the leader of the seventh-seeded Jazz.

Last season, Jefferson averaged almost 19 points and 10 rebounds per game. This season has been no different. as Jefferson has been averaging 18.5 points and nine rebounds per game.

The only difference is that the Jazz are winning this year. They have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA season. Jefferson has been a consistent double-double guy for many years, but is only getting praise now because of his team's winning ways.

For that, Jefferson deserves the reserve center spot on the Western Conference All-Star team. However, don't be surprised if Jefferson's partner-in-crime in the post, Paul Millsap, gets the nod instead.

Chances: 55 percent

Josh Smith

Josh Smith does it all on the court. He scores, he rebounds, he plays great defense, he's a shot-stuffer, and he can knock down the open jumper.

He's an athletic freak. Plain and simple.

When center Al Horford went down with an injury, Smith and the Hawks didn't fade away. They have kept up their intense play despite Horford's absence and the Hawks'  success (16-7) can be attributed to Smith's immeasurable value to the team.

This season, Smith has averaged 15.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.

He just does it all for the Hawks.

And for that, he deserves his first All-Star appearance.

I think he'll get it as a wild card for the East.

Chances: 55 percent

Danny Granger

I didn't  want to put Danny Granger here, considering his poor start. But I just don't think center Roy Hibbert will get to represent the 15-6 Pacers over Granger, since this has been the first year Hibbert has been playing All-Star ball.

But the Pacers deserve a representative, nonetheless.

Granger is only shooting 38 percent from the field, but has been red-hot lately, averaging 20.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals game while shooting a vastly-improved 44 percent from the field in the last 10 games. The Pacers are 7-3 in those games.

But is Granger's current tear a little too late to get an All-Star nod?

I don't think so. While you can argue that Rondo, Hibbert or Johnson are more deserving, I think the coaches will vote Granger in as a wild card on the East squad.

Chances: 57 percent

Luol Deng

Luol Deng is finally being recognized as one of the best small forwards in the NBA. It felt like yesterday when Deng was getting hated on in Chicago for being overrated and not worth $10 million a year.

But that hate vanished last season when Deng emerged as the second-best player for the 62-20  Bulls. Today, Deng is recognized as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and a consistent scoring option as well.

Deng does all of that for the Bulls and more. This season he is averaging 16 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Recently, Deng went down with a torn ligament in his non-shooting wrist. The result?

The Bulls are just 4-3 in his absence and have given up nearly 10 more points per game. It's clear that Deng is of immeasurable value to the Bulls.

He deserves this All-Star nod more than anybody, and I think the coaches will recognize that.

Expect Deng to get a reserve nod as a forward for the East.

Chances: 60 percent

Monta Ellis

Even though the Warriors (8-12) have been underachieving, Monta Ellis is still producing. While his scoring is down, Ellis is averaging a career high in assists (6.7). Ellis is averaging 21.5 points, 6.7 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game on 42 percent shooting.

People still have concerns about Ellis' defense, but there is no questioning his offensive game. The kid can flat-out ball.

Expect Ellis to get a reserve nod as a guard for the West. He deserves it after being snubbed the past two seasons.

Chances: 60 percent

Dirk Nowitzki

It's hard to keep the defending NBA Finals MVP and 10-time All-Star off the roster, despite injuries and decreased productivity.

Nowitzki's only averaging 16 points and six rebounds per game, but the Mavericks have picked up the slack after a sluggish start and are 14-10, and alive and well in the playoff race.

So, expect Nowitzki to get a charity selection this year as a wild card for the West. I think he deserves it as well.

Chances: 65 percent

Steve Nash

You can argue that Steve Nash doesn't deserve to be an All-Star because the Suns are just awful (8-14). They only have the league's 23rd-best offense (92.4 points per game) and are just a shell of their former selves.

Sometimes it seems as though Nash is the team's only bright spot. I mean, he scores or assists on more than 40 percent of the team's points. Nash is averaging a double-double, with 15 points and 10 assists per game.

And he's doing all this at 37 years of age. It's clear that Nash can still ball at an elite level.

So why do people criticize him for playing on a bad team? Do they not see his stats, or do they just not have respect for the two-time MVP?

Whatever the reason, it's invalid.

Nash deserves to be an All-Star. And he will be one.

Chances: 70 percent

Paul Pierce

The Boston Celtics need a representative from the "Big Four," and more likely than not, it's going to be Paul Pierce.

When Rajon Rondo was injured and missed eight games, Pierce led the Celtics to a 6-2 record in his absence. Prior to Rondo's injury, the Celtics were only 5-8.

In Rondo's absence, it's clear that Pierce, along with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, have re-sparked the Celtics season.

However, the Celtics are a disappointing 12-10 and have the East's seventh-seed right now. They only deserve one player to represent them in Orlando.

Pierce is averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game for the C's.

I expect Pierce to make his 10th All-Star game as a reserve forward.

Chances: 75 percent

Deron Williams

The New Jersey Nets are a brutal 8-16 and aren't showing any signs of making a playoff push. Nowadays, the only news surrounding the Nets is the Dwight Howard dilemma.

But many people forget that the Nets have one of the league's best point guards in Deron Williams.

Williams is averaging 20.2 points, 8.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1 steal per game. While his shooting percentage (40 percent) is lethargic, it shouldn't hold Williams back from appearing in his third All-Star game.

Chances: 80 percent

LaMarcus Aldridge

There is no way LaMarcus Aldridge can be snubbed two years in a row. He's too known in the NBA now to leave him out of the All-Star game.

The Texas alum is averaging 23 points and 9 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting.

Aldridge also has led the Trail Blazers to a 13-10 record, tied for the eighth seed in the West.

Aldridge won't be snubbed this year. He can't be. The city of Portland would riot.

Expect him to get a reserve spot as a forward on the West  team.

Chances: 85 percent

Russell Westbrook

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a league-best .818 winning percentage, and a lot of that is attributed to Russell Westbrook.

He is averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game.

And while Westbrook might have his locker room issues, there is no denying his play on the court.

Westbrook is a lock for a reserve guard spot on the West.

Chances: 95 percent

Chris Bosh

As much as I dislike the Miami Heat being a Bulls' fan, Chris Bosh should definitely be starting in the All-Star game over Carmelo Anthony.

The Predator has been instrumental in the Heat's success this year, and absolutely dominated opposing teams when Dwyane Wade went down with an injury.

 Bosh is averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Chances: 99 percent

Kevin Love

25.0 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. Kevin Love should be the West's starting power forward.

He's a lock, folks.

Chances: 99.999 percent