(Each week, From the Fifty Peso Seats has a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)
The NBA announced its list of starters for the NBA All Star Game 2010 and as written in my last post, the starters were all the early vote leaders, except for Tracy McGrady who was overtaken by Steve Nash (Thank Heavens!) and Dirk Nowitzki. Now, I take a stab at the reserves and while the NBA coaches may differ in their views, I confidently state that my picks are all deserving NBA All Star status for 2010. (Note: I'll be picking two guards, two forwards, a center and two from any position for each All Star team.)
Guards
Eastern Conference: Joe Johnson, Rajon Rondo
I've already stated my case for making Johnson an All Star this year in my previous post, so I think no elaboration is needed. Rondo, meanwhile, has elevated his game another notch yet again, daring everyone to overlook him as an All Star. Currently, averaging 14 points, 4.1 rebounds and 9.6 assists, Rondo's case for inclusion in the annual event is not merely his impressive numbers, but also the fact that the young pro has emerged as the Celtics' most significant player. Even the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have categorically stated that the Celts' need Rondo to win. Coming from those three, that's a heck of a reference.
Western Conference: Chris Paul, Monta Ellis
Chris Paul would've been my starter and he certainly deserves a reserve spot if he doesn't start. On the other hand, I have been riding Ellis and his ability (and refusal) to be a leader, but his game and his numbers cannot be denied an All Star spot. This year, "Mr. Moped" is averaging career-highs in points (26.7), assists (5.5), and steals (2.2), keeping the oft-injured Warriors competitive in a lot of games where they shouldn't be. Ellis is also playing a whopping 42 minutes a game, even playing without relief in at least 5 games already. He may not want to, but he is emerging as a leader whether he knows it or not.
Forwards
Eastern Conference: Chris Bosh, Danny Granger
There is no reason why Bosh is not starting other than he is playing for a small market Toronto team, so he definitely deserves a reserve slot. Indiana's Granger is another deserving All Star. The only bright spot in a horribly struggling Indiana Pacer team, Granger has bucked injuries to average impressive numbers, 23.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals. Playing in the All Star Game would be a silver lining in this dark cloud of a season.
Western Conference: Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki
While I thought to exclude Dirk from the starting line up, he definitely deserves to be an All Star this year. The big German continues to carry the big load for the Dallas Mavericks and he is the main reason the Mavericks are one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference. His numbers 25.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1 steal and 1.2 blocks should be more than enough to guarantee a reserve spot. As for Durant, like I stated before, this kid has been dominant, scoring 30 points or more in 13 of his last 16 games. Why shouldn't he be an All Star?
Centers
Eastern Conference: David Lee
In my previous article, I felt Lee almost overtook Howard as the East's top center going by the numbers, so he should at least be an All Star reserve.
Western Conference: Chris Kaman
He is my preferred starter as he gives the Clippers a reliable player day in and day out. In such an inconsistent team as the Clippers, having a "throw back", "real," back to the basket center is a godsend.
Two Other Players
Eastern Conference: Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace
There is no sophomore slump for Lopez as he has been the most consistent player for the lowly Nets. Averaging 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 blocks, Lopez is the proverbial bright spot, giving eternal optimistics like me hope that the Nets have some sort of a workable future in them. Wallace too has stepped up this year, averaging 18.6 points, and amazing 11.3 boards, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks and most importantly, keeping himself healthy and available. While Stephen Jackson and his mid-season arrival gets all the credit for the Bobcats's surprising play this year, Wallace must not be overlooked.
Western Conference: Brandon Roy, Tyreke Evans
It's been a tough year for Roy and the Blazers, with them experiencing a freakishly huge amount of injuries. Roy has carried the Blazers through the rough injury patch, but ironically, as the players started coming back, ROy has gone down with a strained calf injury. Despite this, Roy is averaging a commendable 23.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal, definitely All Star material. The Sacramento Kings rookie Evans has had a magnificent rookie season, leading the Kings and making them to be more competitive than their opponents would want. While coaches shy away from picking rookies for the All Star team, Evans possesses transcendent skills, averaging 20.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals, which are absolutely amazing for a rookie even (or especially) on a bad team.
photos courtesy of new.yahoo.com, heycoach.wordpress.com
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