NBA All-Star Selections Announced

By Maihtab Singh

The fans have voted for this year’s starters and the coaches have picked the reserve players for the NBA All-Star Game. Starting for the Eastern Conference are point guard Jason Kidd from the New Jersey Nets, shooting guard Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat, small forward Lebron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers, power forward Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. The Western Conference starters are point guard Allen Iverson from the Denver Nuggets, shooting guard Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, small forward Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets, power forward Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets center Yao Ming.

The reserves for the Eastern Conference are as follows: Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh, Washington Wizards forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison and Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who with Kevin Garnett has led the Celtics to the best record in the NBA. They will be joined by guards Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons and Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks.

Old friends of the All-Star game will be missed. Shaquille O’Neal, after having graced the All-Star Game with his presence the last 14 years, has been injury-plagued this season and the Miami Heat has suffered as a result. Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics is another player that will also be missed, shooting a career low 41% from the floor and is no longer a primary option.

The Western Conference has its share of debate about the selection of reserves. Representing Phoenix are Steve Nash, the league leader in assists, and Amare Stoudemire, leading the league in field goal percentage. From New Orleans, where the event is being held, are Chris Paul and David West. Reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki from the Dallas Mavericks is their lone star. Also making the team are Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, and Brandon Roy, of the surprising playoff-contending Portland Trail Blazers.

The snubs for the Western Conference have drawn the ire of many fans. Baron Davis has been putting up career numbers for the playoff-bound Golden State Warriors and has been sacrificing himself for the goodwill of his team. Deron Williams of the Jazz is a player that is a great floor general, and many believe that this young player alongside Carlos Boozer is the reincarnation of Stockton and Malone. Other players that did not make the team are Manu Ginobili, likely the sixth man of the year this season for the Spurs, and Josh Howard, who has elevated his game to the next level for the Dallas Mavericks.

All-Star weekend kicks off Friday, February 15th with the Rookie Challenge and the Celebrity Game. The Slam Dunk Contest, the Three Point Competition and the Skills challenge follow on Saturday, February 16th, and the All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 17th.