All-Star Reserves
Where we goin’? NEW ORLEANS!
by Russ Bengtson
Here’s the official All-Star reserves list (fresh off TNT) with a few of my thoughts about them. I wrote most of them up last week with the intent of posting who I thought SHOULD make it. For the record—not that I have any way of proving it—I got the entire East right, and just one wrong out West. Um, so to speak. Check it out.
EAST
CHRIS BOSH. C: Bosh isn’t really a center, but it’s slim pickin’s in the middle out East. I know Shaq was the sentimental pick—he’s been an All-Star 14 straight seasons, the game’s in Louisiana (he went to LSU), and he’s often a source of levity throughout the weekend. That said, the Heat have nine wins and they already have one All-Star. It would be unfair to take a second. And the rest of the field is uninspiring—Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Rasheed Wallace, um, whoever else there is. But make no mistake, Bosh deserves it. 22.5 and 9 for the 24-19 Raptors. (And of course there was the infamous video, which has been viewed more than the Zapruder film by now. Ain’t that right, Bubba?)
CARON BUTLER, F: If you’re looking for the reason the Wizards have kept their heads above water despite losing Gilbert Arenas to knee surgery, look no further. Tough Juice is averaging 20 and 10 while leading the way. (Question: If Gilbert opts out and demands the max, do you consider not giving it to him? It’s actually worth considering.)
PAUL PIERCE, F: This has been nothing short of a dream season for Paul Pierce. First, his Celtics add Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett over the summer. Then he remains the first scoring option on a team that’s blasted to the best first-half start in Celtics history. No-brainer.
CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, G: Probably the best point guard in the East, Billups isn’t flashy, but he gets the job done.
RIP HAMILTON, G: Rip is shooting 51 percent from the floor, 47 percent from three, and is averaging 19.1, 4.4 and 3.3. He’s also averaging 1.9 turnovers, the fewest since his rookie season (when he played 19 minutes a game). Not to mention he’s the leading scorer on the second-best team in the East.
JOE JOHNSON, G: The Hawks have fallen below .500 since a hot early-season start, but hey—it’s the Hawks. Johnson’s averaging 21.7 points, 5.4 assists and 4.2 boards, all above his career averages. And his Hawks are playing better than the Bucks (Michael Redd) and Bobcats (Gerald Wallace). Besides, it’s the East. Good teams are hard to find.
ANTAWN JAMISON, F: The other reason the Wizards are doing so well, Jamison too is averaging 20-10. You really can’t split up Jamison and Butler, so you don’t.
*****
WEST
STEVE NASH, G: Four straight years playing at an MVP level. Crazy. Mark Cuban doesn’t make many mistakes with his investments, but this is sure looking like one.
CHRIS PAUL, G: It’s too bad Paul wasn’t chosen to start in New Orleans, but if he keeps playing the way he has been, there should be plenty more chances in his future.
DIRK NOWITZKI, F: He’s not even amongst the top five candidates for MVP this year, but he’s still at 22, 9 and 4.
CARLOS BOOZER, F: The best low-post scorer in the game not named Dwight Howard, CBooz does it all while giving up between three and 10 inches on a nightly basis.
AMARE STOUDEMIRE, C: This one hurt. I really wanted to see Marcus Camby—who somehow has never been an All-Star—make it, but couldn’t rightly pick a third Nugget. Tyson Chandler was in the mix as well. Chris Kaman would have been if the Clippers were any good. But in the end, it’s the defensively challenged Sun who gets the nod.
BRANDON ROY, G: There were plenty of reasonable arguments why Brandon Roy SHOULDN’T have gotten this spot. He’s only in his second year, the Trail Blazers’s success is more of a team thing, the West doesn’t need any more small guards. There’s one reason why he should. Brandon Roy is a definite candidate for MVP, and if you’re an MVP candidate, you should be an All-Star.
DAVID WEST, F: Guess he ain’t underrated anymore. The Hornets absolutely deserved to get two guys, and David West is absolutely an All-Star, but the boys in Oakland just got a serious chip dropped on their shoulder for the second half. (I had Baron Davis getting the last spot.)
Have fun.
98 Responses to “All-Star Reserves”
Jan.31 at 8:28 pm
Candice says:
I feel bad for Marcus Camby and David West along with Roy was a schocker. It’s a shame no Warrior made it.
Jan.31 at 8:31 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The Warriors play at Charlotte tomorrow, then have nearly a week off. The BETcats shouldn’t even bother showing up—Baron and Jax are gonna be in a mean mood.
Jan.31 at 8:35 pm
Marvin says:
.
What no Warriors. Glad there are Pistons on there, I am glad Sheed got the rest he wanted
Jan.31 at 8:36 pm
peteb80 says:
Where’s Hedo?
Jan.31 at 8:37 pm
baker's dozen (12-13) says:
Camby got screwed again. What else does he need to do?
Jan.31 at 8:39 pm
Aaron says:
Roy is good, but he should not have made it over Baron Davis.
Jan.31 at 8:44 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
Two pistons, but I wasn’t expecting Sheed to be out
Jan.31 at 8:44 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
I’m really happy Roy’s got the call. David West is the biggest surprise.
Jan.31 at 8:45 pm
Jeronimo says:
No Jose Calderon? Oh man, that really sucks. And he deseves it more than Joe Johnson (now kill me, Lang)
Jan.31 at 8:45 pm
Shroomy says:
No Jose Calderon? I definately would’ve picked him over both Joe Johnson and Rip Hamilton. Camby should be playin too.
Jan.31 at 8:46 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
True. Baron is certainly the biggest snub. You got to feel for the guy.
Jan.31 at 8:47 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
I guess the only thing Jose had going against him was that he came off the bench for the first 14 games of the season.
Jan.31 at 8:52 pm
Can says:
there’s always and injury or 2.. i think calderon and baron will find a way into the game.. basketball gods know.. they will find a away!!
Jan.31 at 8:59 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
Well, as much as I like Baron, I’d rather all the current All-Star guards to play in this game.
Jan.31 at 9:00 pm
Captain America says:
Camby, defensive stud get no respect. Shame too.
Jan.31 at 9:04 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
The best part was that TNT showed Richard Jefferson clips during the opening montage. I’ll bet I wasn’t the only person thinking “no…really? REALLY?”
Jan.31 at 9:05 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
And while I don’t think he deserved to make the team, I’d love to see Mr. Shuttlesworth go for 50 tonight.
Jan.31 at 9:09 pm
Captain America says:
Okay, okay, Boozer 22.4 ppg and 10.6 boards (2.6 offensive) and Big Al 21.2 ppg and 12.2 boards (4.1 offensive). I call that a wash for “the best low-post scorer in the game not named Dwight Howard”.
Jan.31 at 9:13 pm
Jukai says:
Horrible selections. Really horrible. No Big Z? No Baron Davis? Why is David West in there? Joe Johnson? What?
Jan.31 at 9:14 pm
thesubwayconnection says:
Shame that Baron and Camby didn’t make it. I really wanted Calderon, but I pretty much knew it wasn’t happening. And I thought Hedo had a legit shot out East, too.
Jan.31 at 9:15 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
CA: a) I wrote that before Al’s most recent explosions. b) How many wins do the Timberwolves have again? Sorry, it makes a difference.
Jan.31 at 9:15 pm
Captain America says:
Hope KG is healthy by then. Damn stomach problems linger.
Jan.31 at 9:17 pm
Captain America says:
Russ, I agree with you on win/loss record. But take issue with your description of Booz as best low-post scorer not named Dwight. Hard too cause I admire Booz’ name.
Jan.31 at 9:17 pm
RV says:
Deron got snubbed, he’s avg almost 20 and 10, a steal and a half, shooting 50% FG, 40% 3’s…he should have taken Roy’s spot, as well as he’s played, the blazers are where they are at because of how they play as a team
Jan.31 at 9:18 pm
Captain America says:
Booz is also a better defender. One of the best.
Jan.31 at 9:21 pm
RV says:
big Z doesn’t deserve an all star spot, for the last month and a half he hasn’t put up great numbers, i should know, he’s on my fantasy team, West has been great though
Jan.31 at 9:23 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
Still, we knew there were going to be some big snub snubs in the West with all the deserving players. Camby should have made it along with Baron. Although I can’t justify taking anyone off the current roster, either.
Jan.31 at 9:27 pm
RV says:
they need to experiment with not letting the fans vote for the starters at least one year, let them vote for the dunk contest participants instead, i’d love to see Yao and AI go at it in the final round (kidding)..
Jan.31 at 9:40 pm
fat lever says:
Top 10 All-Star Snubs: 1. Baron Davis
2. Marcus Camby
3. Josh Howard
4. Tyson Chandler
5. Shawn Marion
6. Ray Allen
7. Jose Calderon
8. Michael Redd
9. Hedo Turk
10. Richard Jefferson
Jan.31 at 9:43 pm
Erik says:
The Blazers’ team success is ONE THOUSAND PERCENT because of Roy, and since when is 6′6″ a small guard?! He could average over 25 if he felt like it, and his teammates would be less into the flow of the game. Baron Davis is having a great season, but has a sidekick named S. Jackson that some would consider all-star caliber, while Roy’s ensemble cast contains no other stars. Anyone who thinks David West doesn’t belong hasn’t seen him play. Try focusing on actual impact on games, not just stats like a bunch of 8th-graders. The same people who hate on Roy and West getting in probably think Carmelo deserves to be there. Hilarious.
Jan.31 at 9:44 pm
Myles Brown says:
Wins matter? For starters or just reserves? Wade?
Jan.31 at 9:45 pm
Glen says:
I agree with lever, except for Hedo being closer to the top.
Jan.31 at 9:48 pm
Erik says:
…and as a Blazer fan I’ve watched Roy win too many games in crunch time to be left off the team. Has Baron Davis achieved double-digit scoring in the fourth quarter of a tight game AND blocked Carmelo Anthony in the post or completely shut down Joe Johnson for an entire shot clock? Nice try with the superior defender argument for Baron. With all this said, it really sucks Baron got snubbed.
Jan.31 at 9:49 pm
rob stewart says:
Defense will always be underated. How does the defensive player of the year not get to play in the All Star game?
Jan.31 at 9:59 pm
RV says:
ray allen doesnt deserve spot, neither does Tyson, RJ prob should be there either, josh howard has picked it up lately but the month prior to that he wasn’t playing at all star level
Jan.31 at 9:59 pm
albie1kenobi says:
actually, Russ, warriors is playing at home tomorrow (JRich’s first game in oakland with a non-GSW jersey) and i’m going to be there. so instead of a feel good all-star selection celebration, we are gonna have a pissed off atmosphere. this is gonna be FUN.
Jan.31 at 10:03 pm
albie1kenobi says:
and yes i agree with you Russ, warriors are now guaranteed to make the playoff because of the proverbial chip on the shoulder.
still i wonder how Mr ex-Tyra Banks will do with a warrior uni on once again. i hope i see him tomorrow.
Jan.31 at 10:06 pm
gdon says:
single digit scoring avg will do that to you.
Jan.31 at 10:08 pm
gdon says:
Although big ben had no problem with that years back. The difference is that Wallace led the best defensive team in the Pistons, while Camby is leading one the league’s bottom 5 in that category.
Jan.31 at 10:08 pm
J says:
Rip Hamilton: Bulls***
Brandon Roy: F***** ridiculous. He is in no way an MVP candidate. Gerald Wallace should have gone along with Baron and Camby. David West only went because he is a Hornet. Al Jefferson has better #’s. They should award Camby for his defense and for being overlooked his whole career. They doing him like Sam Cassell.
Jan.31 at 10:14 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
Gdon, actually if you’re looking at per possession statistics, which is the REAL measurement of effectiveness, the Nuggets are ranked SIXTH in defense. That’s pretty d*mn good. Camby should’ve made it for no other reason but he’s leading a great defensive team this season.
Jan.31 at 10:19 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
I also believe West (if not Chandler) deserved to be on the All-Star team. The Hornets are second in the West (reason enough), but also seventh in offense and THIRD in defense. They are lock down on both ends of the court. And if you read yesterday’s story about Paul, you’d know the isn’t particularly deep with talent. This team is the most deserving o multiple players.
Jan.31 at 10:22 pm
Slim says:
Baron and Jax for sure wth??? Western conference is too stacked!!
Jan.31 at 10:25 pm
Kevin says:
off the top of my head, i’d say some notable snubs are:
Gerald Wallace, Hedo Turkoglu, Shawn Marion (this dude is ridiculous in terms of his impact on a game), Baron Davis (this was prob the biggest snub)
Jan.31 at 10:30 pm
Ryne Nelson says:
Top 10 Snubs:
1. Baron Davis
2. Marcus Camby
3. P-Double
4. Shawn Marion
5. Jose Calderon
6. Deron Williams
7. Tyson Chandler
8. Stephen Jackson
9. Josh Smith
10. Hedo Turkoglu
Jan.31 at 10:33 pm
ak47 says:
The only problem I have with the West list is that Baron Davis didn’t make it. That’s a damn shame!
Jan.31 at 10:52 pm
MoMONEY says:
BARON DAVIS GOT ROBBED
Jan.31 at 10:56 pm
Dale Wittig says:
As a resident of San Francisco and a devoted fan of the Warriors, I couldn’t be happier to hear of Davis and Jackson’s exclusion from the All-Star game. It’s all just fuel for the fire.
Jan.31 at 11:33 pm
Laurel T says:
So on a team with Iverson Roy at 6′6″ and 230 pounds is another ’small’ guard?
Jan.31 at 11:35 pm
Weapon X says:
Big-Up to Camby & B-Diddy. You guyz deserve to be in Nawlins’.
Some dude put P-Double as a snub but Pierce is a reserve bro’?
Jan.31 at 11:35 pm
Slim says:
West deserves to make the all star team…the western conference is just too stacked…Baron Davis over Brandon Roy for sure. Eastern conference Rip hamilton should not make it over guys like Hedo, Calderon and Ray Allen
Jan.31 at 11:38 pm
Hubert says:
i voted 37 times for baron. damn coaches!
Jan.31 at 11:39 pm
gdon says:
I’m not looking at any stats when I’m talking about Denver’s defense among the worst in the league. Stats can be skewed. I just watch their games and as a Nuggets fan, I cringe everytime we’re on D. Oh and if you haven’t watched much Nuggets games this season, try tuning in to the closing minutes of a tight game. You’ll wonder why their defense is playing as if it’s midway through the first. That’s what I’m basing my thoughts on.
Jan.31 at 11:44 pm
whooo! says:
k, everyone complains about camby not making it, which is fair, but i find it hilarious that you can call it a snub without pointing out who he should be in there for. the truth is that it’s not amare that snubbed him, it’s his teammates. you’re not gonna get 3 all-stars from a western team, period, cuz that’s injustice to the other teams there. so unless you guys feel he’s more important than melo or iverson (i think he is, but few ppl wanna rag on those two), he didn’t get snubbed.
Feb.1 at 12:28 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Wow, I just realized Pierce made the team. Talk about jaded.
Feb.1 at 12:57 am
asfasfasdf says:
i agree baron davis shoulda got the nod along with camby i dont know why west made it hes good an all but cmon what else does camby have to do same with baron i mean baron or even stephen jackson shoulda got the nod
Feb.1 at 1:38 am
Gord says:
I was disappointed that the Baron and Camby got snubbed…but now that I think of it, it’s completely understandable. The Hornets did need to have two guys there considering their record, although DWest is the first guy I’d leave off this team. He makes my fantasy team pretty, but I just don’t think he’s an All-Star in the West. And Brandon Roy absolutely had to get the nod…you guys can say Portland’s doing well because of the team as a whole, but no way they’d be half as good without him right now. As for the Calderon snub, I am completely fine with it…sure, I would have loved for him to have been picked, but I can deal with Joe Johnson and Rip getting it over him. The thing that irked me was the fact that neither Ernie, Charles or Kenny so much as mentioned Calderon during their interview with Chris Bosh. I thought they would have at least commented on the tremendous season he’s having if not the fact that he didn’t make the team. I just can’t believe they didn’t mention his name once during the telecast.
Feb.1 at 2:36 am
J says:
Unbelievable how the fans did better than the coaches in selecting players. This is bull. the NBA is eff’n up the All-Star Weekend. When will they get it right? I’m tired of this crap.
Feb.1 at 2:42 am
Lamar says:
Camby got screwed the nuggets dont got that much respect from the nba to have three players in it but the suns always end up with it although this time they actually didnt. Baron Davis isnt gonna like this he got screwed I think he deserved it more then Nash and I think Stephen Jackson even deserved it more then David West. Ray Allen got screwed preety bad too that man came to Boston and put his ego aside like KG and Pierce did but he got the least out of it, if he wanted he could have put up his old numbers but he wanted to win.
Feb.1 at 3:04 am
whooo! says:
anyone who says steve nash shouldn’t be an all-star loses all credibility
Feb.1 at 3:35 am
gdon says:
Nash doesn’t deserve to be an all star. His act is getting old: Makes his teammates better, hits the occasional big 3 down the stretch, same old bounce pass to Amare off the screen. Psh, what is ALLSTAR about that?
Feb.1 at 4:52 am
andy says:
who cares? its the most boring game of the season. endless alley oops and 3’s, no D, no competition apart from the last five minutes. i stopped watching it after 2002. if you love watching good ball you should hate the all star game. how its supposed to be done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd61FTNQw9w although i’m glad caron butler got some sort of recognition for his season so far
Feb.1 at 4:53 am
Aaron Santos says:
i am happy for david west.. he deserve to be in the all-star games..
Feb.1 at 5:13 am
Manumaniac says:
How come Manu Ginobili didn’t make it? I mean, come on… The guy is the second leading scorer of the NBA champs and he is in the best shape of his career. Hey, NBA coaches, would you like me to remind you that this is the same guy who torched the USA Dream Team 4 years ago with Argentina? I mean, a guy who has managed to score 29 points against an All Star national team (Duncan, Lebron, Carmelo, Wade, Boozer, Iverson, Stoudamire)and beat them, definitely has to make it to the All Star Game. Especially if he’s having the season he has!
Feb.1 at 5:59 am
Jukai says:
Gdon, you’re an idiot. All-star is about making incredible plays and running-gunning offensively and only playing defense when you can make it look cool. Hense, Nash. Even I agree he’s losing his MVP form but the guy’s still the most exciting point guard in the league. Easy.
Feb.1 at 6:00 am
Jukai says:
David West should NOT be there. I mean, really… take away Chris Paul and West does absolutely nothing. Davis is playing the best ball of his career and is putting his team at another playoff pushand he doesn’t get in? Total BS. Really ticked off about that.
Feb.1 at 6:07 am
neaorin says:
The all-star game just doesn’t do it for me anymore. All offense and no defense. All flash and little substance. What’s Camby going to do in a game like that? I don’t blame Sheed one bit for wanting out. The NBA should take a cue from MLB and give the winning conference home court for the Finals. Then I might actually have a reason to watch the ASG.
Feb.1 at 6:10 am
Tsiry says:
It should have been Baron Davis instead of Brendan Roy or David West.
Feb.1 at 6:41 am
FLUD says:
MAAAANNNNNNNUUUUUUU!! BAAARRROONNNNN!! CAAAAAMMMMMMBBBYYY!! jesus….
Feb.1 at 7:28 am
Manumaniac says:
Joe Johnson & Rip Hamilton instead of Hedo Turkoglu? David West & Brandon Roy instead of Baron and Manu? What’s wrong with these coaches people? You know… All Star Game is about the best players in the league. And the best players are those who show up in the playoffs. Like Baron & Manu, for example…
Feb.1 at 8:08 am
phunkykarma says:
Marcus Camby might be the best ever among the never-been-to-the-all-star-game-players.
Feb.1 at 8:29 am
booyakasha says:
steve nash….amare stoudamire…….ohhhhhhhhhhhhh shawn marion just sh*t himself
Feb.1 at 8:39 am
Son of Shawn says:
Well, this is the All-Star, remember Jalen Rose “name ten players better than me”, well… next years Eazy Yi will be a perennial starter (China:1.400 millions of votes)
Feb.1 at 9:31 am
TADOne says:
I’m really happy for David West and Brandon Roy for making it. Both deserving and both surprising, especially West.
Feb.1 at 10:46 am
Rasheedionics says:
Travesty!
Feb.1 at 10:51 am
Jamison says:
I think Manu should have gotten more consideration.
Feb.1 at 11:37 am
BETCATS says:
G
Feb.1 at 11:37 am
BETCATS says:
E
Feb.1 at 11:37 am
BETCATS says:
R
Feb.1 at 11:38 am
BETCATS says:
A
Feb.1 at 11:38 am
BETCATS says:
L
Feb.1 at 11:38 am
BETCATS says:
D
Feb.1 at 11:41 am
BETCATS says:
W
Feb.1 at 11:42 am
BETCATS says:
A
L
Feb.1 at 11:42 am
BETCATS says:
L
C
E
Feb.1 at 1:00 pm
Blue says:
Did anyone in 1999 think that after witnessing is stellar rookie and sophmore all-star debut that Vince Carter wouldn’t even be considered for the All-Star game less than 10 years later?
Feb.1 at 1:07 pm
Paps says:
I hope Vince turns it around. Too bad a bout Shaq missing out.
Feb.1 at 1:52 pm
SLAM ONLINE | » Links: NBA Friday says:
[…] • All-Star reserves were announced last night, and we were all over it for you. I don’t really have any furious complaints with the teams. I’m sure people in Toronto are upset Calderon didn’t make it, but a guy from the fifth-place team in the Conference who has only started 2/3 of his team’s games is going to have to post some extra-extra-extraordinary numbers, not just 12 and 8. […]
Feb.1 at 3:43 pm
WwT says:
huge hawks fan…i agree w/ pp though..joe didnt deserve it this year…we r 6 games under .500…
Feb.1 at 4:01 pm
Vinsanity says:
russ, interesting point about considering not signing gil. what about a sign and trade deal?
Feb.1 at 4:27 pm
Vinsanity says:
also who would win east reserves or west?
Feb.1 at 4:49 pm
Vinsanity says:
or a game of 21, kwame,collins, or darko? haha
Feb.1 at 4:56 pm
Galo says:
Yooooooo! Shaq’s out!
Feb.1 at 11:28 pm
bullsmichaeljordan23 says:
no warriors baron davis??
Feb.2 at 1:03 am
hursty says:
thats a whole lotta horse sh*t. give it to baron. morons
Feb.3 at 12:08 pm
bootlace says:
Joe Johnson over Hedo Turkoglu??? Hedo has better numbers across the board, his team has a much better record, and he’s as clutch as anybody this year…an unbelievable snub.
Feb.3 at 4:36 pm
sheedfan says:
B. Roy!
Feb.4 at 11:41 am
Jess says:
Calderon has to put up better numbers. Come on he stepped into the starting role when TJ went down. What about these numbers, hes shooting 40%+ from 3, 50%+ from the field, and 90%+ from the line. Only Nash, Dirk, Miller, Price and Bird have put up those numbers in a season. He also has the best assist/turnover ratio in the NBA not just the East. I mean Joe Johnson is shooting like 40% on a losing team and you are saying Jose needs to put up better numbers to make the all-star team…wow…The biggest snubs were, Jose,Hedo,Ray Allen(big 3), BARON DAVIS,Marcus Camby, Deron Williams (theres just too many solid PG’s in the West)