NBA All-Star Game 2012: Bench Players Who Will Surprise as MVP Candidates
Predicting the All-Star Game MVP is like picking the winner of a turtle race. When the participants don't really care about the event, it makes things a little unpredictable.
Yet, here I am.
For fun, starters aren't allowed.
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Last night's three-point champion can clearly shoot the ball, so we know he can score in a hurry. His 25.0 PPG this season back up that claim.
Point, Kevin.
Secondly, he's a ferocious rebounder. Not only does he box out opposing big men better than any NBA player I've seen in a long time, he usually takes rebounds from his teammates, his children, grandmother and anyone else who dare get in his way. His 14.0 RPG speak to that. So does his boxing out a sumo wrestler:
Point, Kevin.
And last, it's an All-Star game. The fast-break points will be at an all-time high and Love, who has an amazing outlet pass (seriously), will be able to rack up the easy assists.
Game, set, match, Kevin.
Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets
Every time I watch the Nets play, Williams is just constantly pulling up for threes at the top of the key. Part of that is because he plays for the Nets, and part of it is because he can be deadly from long range.
He's attempting an insane 6.5 threes per game and he's only hitting 37 percent from deep, but that doesn't tell the whole story. He's been much better as of late, such as when he knocked down 8-of-14 against the New York Knicks.
Now, his teammates in the All-Star game aren't exactly Sheldon Williams and Mehmet Okur, but I still wouldn't be surprised to see Williams jack up a bunch of long-balls.
If he gets hot, he could easily put forth a huge performance.
Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
Iguodala is one of the most explosive players in the NBA, but most importantly this is his first selection as an All-Star.
Iggy has put forth plenty of seasons before this one worthy of a selection, but he has never gotten the respect. If it's possible for a player to have a chip on his shoulder during an All-Star game, Iguodala will have it.
And, what's more, if it's possible to play defense in an All-Star game, Iguodala will do it. He has the capability to fill out a box score and put up some highlight-reel dunks, so watch out.
