Links: My All-Star Team
Who goes to New Orleans, and who stays home…
Earlier this week I posted my All-Star B Team. Now let’s talk about the actual All-Star teams, since the All-Star starters will be announced tonight on TNT. (And hopefully ESPN doesn’t try to steal the announcements like they did with the MLB All-Star Game.)
Really quickly, who deserves to be in the All-Star Game? Well, we could debate that all day. I’m of the school of thought that you should reward guys having their best seasons, but you should also try to balance that by having as many guys as possible from different cities on the team, since — and let’s be honest here — the NBA wants the ratings to be as high as possible.
Let’s start in the East. According to the most recent results, the balloting for the East starting line-up looks like this:
C — Dwight Howard
PF — Kevin Garnett
SF — LeBron James
SG — Dwyane Wade
PG — Jason Kidd
I don’t really have any beef with any of those guys starting. As for the bench, it gets a little trickier. We need seven players, and the coaches have to pick at least two guards, two forwards and a center. So here are my seven…
BENCH
C — Chris Bosh: I’m not a huge Bosh fan — I think he’s really good but not great — but he’s Toronto’s best player and we have to have at least one Raptor up in here.
PF — Antawn Jamison: Having his best statistical year since 2003.
SF — Caron Butler: Putting up the best numbers of his career.
SG — Paul Pierce: Gotta reward Boston’s leading scorer (even if he’s out of position)…
PG — Chauncey Billups: …and Detroit’s team leader, too.
R1 — Michael Redd: See below…
R2 — Joe Johnson: I put JJ and Mike Redd on here because they’re both having very good seasons, even though they each play on inconsistent teams.
LEFT OFF: Richard Jefferson is having a great season (23.7 ppg) but I couldn’t have two guys from an 18-23 team on here. I also was thinking Gerald Wallace or Hedo Turkoglu could get on the squad, but I’d definitely rather have Redd on there than either of them. Joe Johnson nearly got the axe to create a space, but he’s leading the Hawks in points and assists per game. And he’s on my favorite team. Sorry. And I see you, Calderon. Stay en fuego.
And in the West, the starters look to be…
C — Yao Ming
PF — Tim Duncan
SF — Carmelo Anthony
SG — Kobe Bryant
PG — Tracy McGrady
It’s a good thing you’re injured, T-Mac, because you do not belong here. We still don’t know who the Western Conference coach will be, but I’m assuming whoever it is will do the right thing and put Chris Paul (averaging 21 and 10, plus his team leads the Western Conference and he lives in N’awlins) in T-Mac’s spot. T-Mac, you can stay home and you don’t even have to worry about the rampant crime in New Orleans you worried about last summer. Or maybe you can hang at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.
BENCH
C — Amare Stoudemire: Black Jesus.
PF — Dirk Nowitzki: He’s very quietly had a great 2008 (averaging 21 and 9).
SF — Carlos Boozer: Out of position, sure, but there’s so many great guards out West that it’s either Booz at SF or he doesn’t make the team at all.
SG — Allen Iverson: I didn’t have him on my initial list, but I don’t think you can leave the NBA’s third-leading scorer at home for All-Star.
PG — Steve Nash: Even though his scoring remains down, his apg are way up, and he finally started bringing his TOs down.
R1 — Brandon Roy: Calm down Portland fans, a Blazer made it! Not sure if they’ll be allowed to play any zone defense, though.
R2 — Baron Davis: Gotta have a Warrior on here. Plus BD is a former New Orleanian.
LEFT OFF: Two big names are missing. First, Shawn Marion, who is averaging his lowest ppg since his rookie season. Also, Tony Parker, who I have to leave off simply because there are too many good guards out West (though I wouldn’t be surprised if the NBA gets him onto the team in some way just for the international love, and so Eva can be courtside and drive up the star power). I also really wanted to get either Tyson Chandler or David West on the team, to reward the Hornets and the people of New Orleans for their amazing season thus far, but there’s just no room. Also, Deron Williams doesn’t get a spot, only because I don’t think Utah deserves two spots on this team.
Anyway, that’s how I see it. Your turn…
70 Responses to “Links: My All-Star Team”
Jan.24 at 3:48 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Man, I don’t know if Michael Redd would even take Michael Redd on this year’s team. The Bucks are terrible. I’ll take Rip for that last spot–he’s averaging a career-best 50 percent from the floor and 46 percent from three, 18.8 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 boards, all while committing his fewest turnovers per game since he was a rookie (when he only played 19 minutes per).
Jan.24 at 3:49 pm
Jer Boi says:
no chris paul!?
Jan.24 at 3:50 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Meanwhile, Redd’s having his worst statistical season since ‘04-05.
Jan.24 at 3:51 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Um, he’s got CP3 taking McGrady’s starting spot.
Jan.24 at 3:52 pm
white hot eboy says:
Rather see Sheed more than Chauncey or Bosh.
Jan.24 at 3:54 pm
jbn74sb says:
Chris Kaman.
And Shaq - for one last hurrah as the league’s ambassador.
Jan.24 at 3:55 pm
nick says:
I like the list. I do think guys like david west (who i watched demolish the rockets the other week) and others deserve love. Problem is, i don’t know who would get bounced. Worthy players will get left off as long as the rosters stay this size.
Jan.24 at 3:57 pm
TADOne says:
Agree with Russ on Rip over Redd. Chauncey has to make. He is the 2nd best PG in the East. Sheed will probably get the nod over Bosh. I have no problem leaving Tony Parker off.
Jan.24 at 4:03 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
Yeah, I forgot to list Kaman on my reserves — he definitely should at least be on the LEFT OFF list. And re: Redd over Rip, I went with Redd just because so many of Rip’s points come from picks and screens and stuff, while Redd is moreso on his own but he’s still 7th in the NBA in ppg.
Jan.24 at 4:06 pm
Co Co says:
I’m looking forward to the Rookie/Sophmore game moreso than the All Star game.
Jan.24 at 4:07 pm
Ironside says:
Why is everyone on sheeds jock??? hes not having a better season than CB4 and hes definitely not more important to the pistons than bosh is to the raptors
Jan.24 at 4:09 pm
TADOne says:
Has the lineups for Rook/Soph game been established?
Jan.24 at 4:10 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
If there’s a Buck on the All-Star team I’m not watching the game.
Jan.24 at 4:10 pm
TADOne says:
Cause Sheed is a Center, Bosh is not.
Jan.24 at 4:11 pm
Kris says:
Wat about ma man Marcus Camby? Leading the league in blocks and 2nd in rebounding? He should at least be on the left off list
Jan.24 at 4:11 pm
Airick says:
anyway/argument we can out GINOBILLI! over anyone?
Best bet is B Roy…
Jan.24 at 4:12 pm
Co Co says:
I don’t know Tad, but at least where the Rook/Soph game is concerned, its not a lifetime achievement award.
Jan.24 at 4:13 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
There absolutely needs to be a Blazer on the team as well. Brandon Roy is a legitimate MVP candidate, for God’s sake.
Jan.24 at 4:15 pm
Co Co says:
They’ll justify leaving Brandon Roy off by saying he’s young and he’ll have opportunities in the future and blah, blah blah…
Jan.24 at 4:17 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I hate the NBA All-Star process.
Jan.24 at 4:18 pm
TADOne says:
I agree the Rook/Soph game has the potential to be the better game. Certainly should be better than the dunk competition.
Jan.24 at 4:19 pm
Co Co says:
Especially if Rudy Gay wants to see us dunk.
Jan.24 at 4:21 pm
Jer Boi says:
oh..missed that…
Jan.24 at 4:24 pm
Co Co says:
I think they should ask the perennial’s if they really want to participate and if they say no (which a few of them might) then they could put some lesser knowns on the roster.
Jan.24 at 4:36 pm
TADOne says:
TMac has already said he would. I wish they were allowed.
Jan.24 at 4:37 pm
whiteman says:
Bosh over rasheed no man averages 13 a game and makes the all star game I don’t care if your teams 40 and 0…and if tony parker makes the team over anyone on that list david stern officially would and does anything to make his lover tim duncan happy
Jan.24 at 4:39 pm
jonesy says:
jermaine o neal sshould be on the team because he’s still statistically the second best centre in the east despite of injuries.
Jan.24 at 4:40 pm
Myles Brown says:
Can Al Jefferson at least get on the “Left off cause his team sucks” list?
Jan.24 at 4:42 pm
Myles Brown says:
And Jesus probably played better defense than STAT. Without even using any of his powers either. Marcus Camby?
Jan.24 at 4:44 pm
Slick Nick Da Ruler says:
Gerald Wallace over Redd or Rip. Thank you for listing Caron on the East roster.
Jan.24 at 4:45 pm
lane says:
ginobili over roy
Jan.24 at 4:45 pm
Co Co says:
I agree with Gerald Wallace. The fact that the Cats aren’t great can’t be held against him because the same goes for half of the other players in the East.
Jan.24 at 4:48 pm
TADOne says:
Oh sh*t. Yeah, forgot about Camby. He definitely should make it, but that would make 3 Nugget players.
Jan.24 at 4:51 pm
Co Co says:
The fact that Camby bothers to play defense on the Nuggets team should get him in.
Jan.24 at 5:08 pm
Tom says:
I’d love to see David West on there too, just for the sake that its in N’awlins and it’d be like when the put stockton/malone in the game in Utah back in ‘93. Not that West/Paul is on that level, but its a nice gesture….too many good everything in the west
Jan.24 at 5:09 pm
Tom says:
and Lang I agree with what your saying about Bosh, solid player, but not a franchise guy like the 3 guys drafted ahead of him….his game actually reminds me a lot of James Worthy
Jan.24 at 5:57 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
camby and kaman are strong candidates. gerald wallace should be on the team if kidd is.
Jan.24 at 6:15 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
Ya melo & ai!
Jan.24 at 6:25 pm
what says:
If you are gonna put a Hawk on the team it should be J-Smoove… Joe’s been inconsistent as hell this year and J-Smoove’s game is ideal for the All Star Game.
Jan.24 at 6:42 pm
Bro. D. says:
Gerald Wallace over one of those wizards or Redd easily.
Jan.24 at 6:43 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
@what: I can’t believe you just made a case for Josh Smith by calling his competition “inconsistent.” Have you ever seen Smoove play?
Jan.24 at 6:46 pm
vmcb says:
I don’t understand the lack of love for Bosh. I mean, any guy averaging 21-9 (like Dirk is, for example) while shooting high percentages while dealing with double-teams every night is an all-star in my book. He’s better than Jamieson and Sheed, thats for sure.
Jan.24 at 6:48 pm
nothin personal says:
And Camby gets left out again. Congratulations Lang. He is probably top 10, as far as numbers go, in the league right now. 4 blocks per? along with 10 and 15?
Jan.24 at 6:48 pm
Cisco says:
Calderon!!! Give Jose some love!!!
Jan.24 at 7:08 pm
Mac says:
CP3 and BD hands down best guards in the League… This is also my campaign to get Gasol or Marrion to the Warriors
Jan.24 at 7:15 pm
Mike says:
What about VC? I mean really whats an allstar game without at least one Carter dunk? He should get a free pass to the game till he retires
Jan.24 at 7:28 pm
booyakasha says:
the starters are pretty much set, so here’s my reserves east: C - Rasheed Wallace F - Bosh F - Pierce G - Billups G - R. Allen F - Caron Butler G - Joe Johnson West: C - Amare F - Nowitzki F - Boozer G - Steve Nash G - Chris Paul G - Allen Iverson F - David West if t-mac is hurt for the game put brandon roy on
Jan.24 at 7:49 pm
polowthaJon says:
Redd over Wallace ?!? that’s crazy talk.
Jan.24 at 8:08 pm
arthur says:
Hollinger put Josh Smith in over JJ
Jan.24 at 8:08 pm
arthur says:
the dickhead
Jan.24 at 8:22 pm
hursty says:
i agree with the list, nice stuff.
Jan.24 at 8:40 pm
Billy King says:
Lang, just saw Magic’s picks for the reserves. I think he plageurized(sp) your picks. You better check that.
Jan.24 at 10:33 pm
ktokyo says:
Brandon Roy deserves to be in the ASG. He has turned that team around and is only a sophomore in the NBA. He has a bright future ahead of him and the league will regret leaving him off in the future…
Jan.24 at 10:36 pm
ktokyo says:
Oh yeah - and that’s straight b.s. that TMac is on the all-star team. We ALL know why he made it. Yao Ming is going to be an All-star for life, no matter what. They have to do something about the system for the starters. Maybe they should narrow down the list statistically or something…
Jan.24 at 11:33 pm
Ben Osborne says:
I’m more excited for next year’s rookie-sophomore game. Mike Beasley will be killing cats.
Jan.25 at 1:21 am
Lang Whitaker says:
@nothin_personal: It was either leave out Camby or Iverson. I went AI. So sue me.
Jan.25 at 2:33 am
Josh Edwards says:
Stephen Jackson, Baron Davis, Caron Butler, Gerald Wallace and of course Chris Paul
Jan.25 at 6:32 am
mike_ill says:
You guys forgot about vc….he should be an all-star every year
Jan.25 at 6:41 am
matt the jazz fan says:
gerald wallace over antawn - definitely definitely definitely!
also deron over baron for consistency (and both are spectacular baron’s just more spectacular)
Jan.25 at 11:20 am
christos says:
here are mine west pg = nash, paul
sg = kobe, roy, ginobili (though iverson will make it, i think they have each had better seasons)
sf=melo, marion (only to see the fast break hookups)
pf=duncan, amare, nowitzki
c=yao, camby nb. i think boozer is more deserving than amare, but as this is the all star game, i think amare would be more interesting. east jkidd, cbillups
r allen, j johnson
lebron, caron, g wallace
kg, bosh, j.smith (josh not joe)
howard, bogut (who is easily the second best centre in east) ((i would rather put that spot onto the west though so that a kaman/boozer/other could get on)
Jan.25 at 11:46 am
BETCATS says:
matt, you are a smart man.
Jan.25 at 11:47 am
BETCATS says:
and Ben, mike beasly WILL be on the cats.
Jan.25 at 12:04 pm
Tariq says:
My West reserves are identical to Lang’s (with, obviously, CP3 taking AI’s spot, since Iverson’s a starter). In the East, I’d lose JJ and Redd and take Hedo or Rashard + Josh Smith instead. Seeing Josh in an all-star game is on my bucket list. But we all know that one player who is not even in the discussion will make it: Vinsanity! Ah, the humanity…
Jan.25 at 2:02 pm
WhereisBisonDele says:
Tom, sure it was just a brain freeze, but all three guys picked before Bosh are franchise players? Only in Darko’s mind.
Jan.25 at 2:20 pm
jazzy cabbages says:
I think he meant the 3 franchise players picked before bosh. That would eliminate darko
Jan.25 at 2:36 pm
WhereisBisonDele says:
Lebron, Carmelo, Darko, Bosh. Then Wade, if that’s what you’re getting at.
Jan.25 at 2:37 pm
jazzy cabbages says:
uh yeah I was just about to say…nevermind.
Jan.25 at 2:38 pm
WhereisBisonDele says:
Lebron, Darko, Carmelo, Bosh…sorry.
Jan.25 at 2:39 pm
jazzy cabbages says:
fri-day. yes!
Jan.26 at 7:47 am
Yoeri says:
Michael Redd, Joe Johnson, Chris Paul, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison & Sheed are the ones I would like to see in the ASG!