2012 NBA All-Star Snubs: Did Golden State Warriors' Monta Ellis Deserve a Spot?

The Golden State Warriors' talented guard Monta Ellis was once again denied an invitation to the NBA All-Star game this week, marking the second-straight season NBA's coaches refused to vote Ellis in, despite strong play.

A strong argument could be made that Ellis deserved a spot ahead of either Dirk Nowitzki or Steve Nash. Both earn deserved respect for their iconic careers, but even Dirk knew he hasn't been playing like an All-Star this year.

Nash, meanwhile, continues to play at an exceptionally high level (averaging 15.1 points and 10 assists on 56 percent shooting), but remains a defensive liability for a below-average Suns team.

While the Warriors may not be playing like a contender, Monta Ellis gives the team a chance every night with his prolific all-around production. So far this season, Ellis is averaging 22.6 points a game, 6.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals a game. He's a streaky scorer who can erupt for 40 on any given night (or 48, as he recently proved to the Thunder), and his quick first step earns him nearly six free-thows a game.

The case for Ellis, however, isn't quite so clear cut. With his production comes a constant risk of implosion.

Ellis turns the ball over 3.7 times a game, which is more than half of his assist output.

His shot selection is also highly suspect. Despite only making 27 percent of his three-point shots this season, he continues to attempt 4.6 of them per game.

This isn't the kind of decision-making one should expect from an All-Star.

While Ellis is scoring seven more points a game than Nash, he's doing so far less efficiently and shooting the ball at only 43 percent. Given career averages, chances are that Ellis will end up shooting closer to 46 percent this season. For the time being, though, Ellis' high volume of points and assists are coming at the expense of more opportunities for the rest of the team.

Ellis' player efficiency rating of 19.17 is exceptional when compared with other shooting guards, but trails Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker and Steve Nash (all selected to this year's All-Star game). 

In Monta's defense, the Warriors are a young squad that desperately needs his talent. As the best offensive option, he often finds himself taking desperation shots or playing beyond himself.

There's no question that Ellis belongs in the conversation with the likes of Nash, Westbrook, and Parker.

The question is whether or not he's more deserving. A good case can certainly be made. If Ellis is to assure himself a spot at 2013's game, he will need to become a more efficient player and the Warriors will have to become a more competitive team.