NBA All-Star Game 2012: 5 Philadelphia 76ers Who Deserve All-Star Consideration

Off to an unexpected 17-7 start, the Philadelphia 76ers enter Monday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers with a variety of contributors, some finally playing up to their potential, and others surpassing expectations.

Possessing one of the youngest teams in the league, head coach Doug Collins has crafted a system that prizes selflessness, passing and defense over statistical supremacy, ultimately producing the most unique product in the NBA.

As if the 17-7 record were not clear enough evidence of a squad playing strong team basketball, the Sixers currently have six players averaging double figures, two of whom are bench players.

With a strong second unit dubbed the "Night Shift," the Sixers possess supreme depth that has made them one of the league's early headlines. Although they don't have one true superstar, hefty contributions come in from different players each and every night.

So, while their numbers may be overlooked, many of the Sixers' contributors should be considered by NBA head coaches when they are selecting this year's All-Star reserves.

At a time when superstar talent dominates headlines, perhaps these role players should be given consideration. After all, winning is what counts, right?

Louis Williams

A rarity in the NBA, Lou Williams leads the Sixers in scoring coming off of the bench. Averaging only 25 minutes per game, Williams has filled his time up, posting 15.1 points and close to 4 assists per game.

Williams is certainly the team's most consistent scoring threat, and while he plays the role of an instant offense-type player, he provides the scoring and balance necessary for such a young team.

Although he's only converting on 41 percent of his attempts from the field, Lou is maintaining a career-best 37 percent mark from three-point range.

As Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe recently pointed out, Williams provides a spark when Doug Collins implements the strategic "Lou-for-one" at the end of quarters. Williams constantly has the ball in his hands, leading a second-team offense that has become a staple of this 76ers ball club.

Andre Iguodala

One of the league's most versatile players, Andre Iguodala has established himself as an elite wing defender and a complete player on both ends of the court.

As the Sixers' best player, many have been clamoring for more from Iguodala, and he has answered the calls this season.

Although he doesn't score at an elite rate—or even a consistent one, for that matter—Iguodala has proven that he has the leadership abilities capable of making himself the centerpiece of this young Sixers squad.

Although he's only averaging 12.8 points per game, Iguodala boasts a complete stat line, also averaging 6.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest. On top of all that, he averages nearly two steals per game guarding the league's elite.

Having notched one triple-double already this season, Iguodala fell one point and two assists shy of his second against the Hawks on Saturday, proving to all of his doubters just how capable he is of being this team's offensive and defensive leader.

Jrue Holiday

In just his third year in the NBA, Jrue Holiday is asserting himself as one of the league's rising stars at point guard.

While many are talking about John Wall, Brandon Jennings and Russell Westbrook, Holiday has shown his ability to play extended minutes for a contender—and effective minutes at that.

Holiday's minutes have become so extended that he actually leads the Sixers in minutes played per game, ahead of Andre Iguodala.

While his jump shot still needs some polishing, Holiday is at his best when he is working around the basket. Throughout the season, he has demonstrated his ability to finish around the rim with both hands, and he has also proven how unselfish he is, passing out of double- and triple-teams to create open shots for his teammates.

In addition, Holiday has been a staple of the Sixers' fast break, constantly finding open teammates and exploiting two- and three-on-one opportunities.

While the 21-year-old UCLA graduate is still growing, he has shown the rest of the league that at 6'4" he is a matchup problem for opposing teams, and that he will earn his place in the All-Star game soon, even if he doesn't this year.

Spencer Hawes

After a disappointing 2010, Spencer Hawes is quickly proving worthy of a payday in 2012. After signing a one-year contract that was below his asking price, Hawes has returned this season much slimmer and much more effective.

Although he has missed 11 games thus far, Hawes' skills have proven invaluable for a group that lacks elite size in the frontcourt. Hawes has averaged 10.7 points per game, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

Hawes has also established himself as one of the league's most versatile centers, shooting 33 percent from three, and proving to be a threat passing the ball. Averaging nearly three assists per game, the Sixers offense has consistently moved through Hawes as he sets up at the top of the key and distributes to the plethora of wing players that the Sixers present.

While it's clear that Dwight Howard is the Eastern Conference's elite center, Hawes is starting to play himself into the second-tier group alongside the likes of Roy Hibbert, Anderson Varejao and Joakim Noah.

Thaddeus Young

Along with Iguodala, Thaddeus Young anchors the Sixers' league-leading defense.

After signing a five-year, $42 million contract this offseason, Young is certainly living up to his hefty price tag.

Keeping pace with his career average, Young is averaging 12.5 points per game as a part of the potent second unit that Doug Collins loves to deploy.

Shooting 51 percent from the field, Young has been a constant presence around the basket, always finding ways to get shots to go. Whether it's with his lefty hook shots or his fade-away jumper, Thad has proved time and time again that he is reliable around the basket.

At 6'8", Thad has functioned as a poor man's Lamar Odom for the Sixers, posing matchup problems for those too slow to guard his quick first step and his elite athleticism.

While Young's offensive game has proved to be a nice complement to Lou Williams and Evan Turner, his defensive game also provides a spark off of the bench.

Young has shown an ability to block shots and, more importantly, take charges on a regular basis. Being able to force turnovers is what Thad and the Sixers defense have done so effectively, as they lead the league with a 2.13 assist-to-turnover ratio.