2008 NBA All Star Weekend

The starting lineups for both the Eastern and Western conference all star teams have been announced.  Let the second-guessing begin.

Lets start with the Western Conference All-Stars. 

 
Guards: Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant

Now in most years I would have no problem with Allen Iverson starting in the all star game.  However, Steve Nash is averaging 12.5 assists a game this year along a steady 18 points per game.  Chris Paul is averaging 21.0 ppg and 10.5 apg this season.  He has the highest Player Effieciency Rating among point guards in the NBA and he's not in the starting line-up?  Steve Nash is number three in the NBA in PER.  Notice I didn't say anything about Kobe starting, there is no need to debate that.

 
Forwards: Carmelo Anthony and Tim Duncan

Last years NBA MVP Dirk Nowitzki couldn't find himself in the starting line up of the All-Star game.  Dirk is in a bit of a shooting slump this season shooting just 32% from the three point line, his lowest output since his rookie year.  He is scoring at a decent pace, 22.0 ppg and rebounding well at 8.5 rpg.  Duncan is playing consistent which he always does putting up 19 ppg and 11 rpg with the highest PER among Power Forwards.  Carlos Boozer is also playing his best basketball and should definitely be on the list.  Carmelo Anthony is having a good year its about time he's in the starting line up.  Josh Howard should likely take the reserve role.  

Center: Yao Ming

Yao is in the starting line up every year and this year he finally is deserving of it.  Amare Stoudemire is having a good year but he doesn't get it done on defense enough to be able to put up an argument.  I do think Chris Kaman deserves to be an all-star this year.  17.5 ppg and 14.0 rpg so far this season is impressive enough to me to put him on the team.  Marcus Camby is averaging 14.5 rpg and 3.95 bpg but only 9.5 ppg.  I still think the numbers he puts up rebounding and blocking shots should put him on the team.  Keep in mind he plays with AI and Melo.

On to the Eastern Conference All-Stars...

 
Guards: Dwayne Wade and Jason Kidd

While the numbers these guys are putting up are all star worthy, the record of their teams isn't.  They should be on the team yes, just not in the starting line-up.  The Nets are currently 5 games under .500 and the last time the Miami Heat won a game I hadn't opened my Christmas presents yet.  Chauncey Billups really got the shaft this year to not be starting in this game.  He has the second highest PER among point guards in the NBA.  Ray Allen has been one of the best clutch shooters in the NBA this year and I believe he is more deserving of it then Wade.  

 
Forwards: Kevin Garnett and LeBron James

No need for discussion here.

Center: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is having a great season so far.  He is averaging a stellar 14.9 rpg  alongside a solid 22 ppg and 2.57  blocks.  His presence in the paint gives the Magic a dominant Center for the first time since the Shaq and Penny days.  Howards biggest fault is the same as the old Magic big man:  Free Throws.  He's shooting just 60% from the line this year which is about the same percentage he shoots from the field (.596).  If he can improve to be a 70-75% FT shooter he'll be an elite player.  He gets to the line about 12 times a game so it would definitely help his numbers.