Chris Paul, Dwight Howard and the NBA All-Hype Team for 2011-12 Season

With the 2011-12 NBA season underway, several players have dominated the headlines from the time the lockout ended until now.

That brings us to our 2011-12 All-Hype Team.

Some of the guys that made this year's squad are superstars who would be talked about anyway and some guys have had their names in the news for different reasons the entire offseason.

Most of these guys will live up to the hype; some will not.

Having said that, let's take a look at the starting lineup.

PG: Chris Paul

There hasn't been a more hyped point guard in a long time.

First all the trade talk, then all of the hype of what Paul will do for the Los Angeles Clippers. You can't go a day without seeing Paul's face somewhere, and with good reason, since he's created more excitement about the Clippers then we've ever seen before.

Paul could be the All-Hype MVP for the season.

SG: Kobe Bryant

Bryant won't be upstaged by his new crosstown rival.

We've seen him upset over the Los Angeles Lakers offseason, but all the hype has been over the fact that he's healthy and has his hops back. That was until the wrist injury, of course.

Between that and wondering whether or not Bryant would demand a trade, Kobe is as hyped as ever.

SF: LeBron James

It's been a quiet offseason for James compared to a season ago, but the hype regarding him dominating in the post this year and playing less of the villain role earns James a spot in the starting lineup.

While James will be a handle to deal with on the block this season, his post game has been talked about so much that you would think he's a natural center.

PF: Blake Griffin

After taking the NBA by storm a season ago, all eyes were on Griffin just to see what we would get for an encore.

Now after acquiring Paul, Griffin is more hyped than ever.

Just imagining the high-flying possibilities of the duo and it's easy to see how Griffin will live up to all the hype.

C: Dwight Howard

For a majority of the offseason, it seemed like Paul and Howard were the only two NBA players talked about around the league.

How will Howard react to his over-hyped trade demands? We will see, but he didn't get off to a good start.

Unfortunately the Howard saga will be way over-hyped until he's traded and signs an extension.

Sixth Man: Kevin Durant

So far there has been a lot of hype about how good Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder can be this season.

If anyone in the league can live up to the hype and expectations, it's Durant.

Bench: Carmelo Anthony

How good will the New York offense be with Anthony in a Knicks uniform all season?

That's what all the hype in the Big Apple is about. After one game, though, it looks like he will meet and exceed all expectations.

Bench: DeAndre Jordan

After signing a big contract and thinking about the possibilities of playing alongside Paul, Jordan has got enough hype that you would think he's the next big thing in the NBA.

Why not? He's going to be on the receiving end of his share of highlight plays and if he dominates on the defensive end the way he did in the Clippers opener, Jordan will get even more hype.

Bench: Tyson Chandler

Chandler was given a ton of money to sign with the Knicks, but along with it came a ton of hype.

Can he single-handedly improve New York defensively? You are going to hear enough about it. For the Knicks sake, hopefully he lives up to the hype.

Bench: Ricky Rubio

There has been an enormous amount of hype surrounding Rubio for the past two seasons leading up to his NBA debut.

He has a lot of hype to live up to, but a ton of talent.

Bench: Nene

Nene makes the team thanks to being the most coveted free agent on the market this season.

We talked about him more in two weeks then we did his entire career to date.

He's got big money now. With that comes a lot of hype and living up to the expectations.

Bench: Norris Cole

One of the most hyped and talked about rookies coming into the season has been Cole. He could eventually be the starter in Miami, but even though he had a good camp, he's going to have some expectations to live up to.

Time will tell if the youngster can live up to the hype.