iaThe third weekend of February is always my favorite weekend of the year. For 3 whole days, I do nothing but sit back and enjoy the fun of NBA All-Star Weekend. Starting with the Celebrity All-Star game and the Rookie-Sophomore game on Friday Night. Followed up on Saturday with the East and West All-Star team practices, and my favorite event of the weekend, All-Star Saturday Night. The best weekend is finally finished off with the always entertaining All-Star game. Although, this weekend is so fun and enjoyable, I always have my criticisms of certain aspects of the weekend. My biggest criticism, every year, is always, who makes and does not make the All-Star Game. Well here, on Crossover Hoops, I am going to share who would make my All-Star team, if I was voting for an entire country.
I'll start with the always dominate Western Conference All-Stars.
Also note, that when I pick my All-Stars, I don't give a damn, if a players team is playing .700 ball or is playing .200 ball. If a player is having a great individual year, he should be recognized. Even if his team is playing like the New York Knicks.
Starters
Guard-Chris Paul-New Orleans Hornets: Not only is Chris Paul dishing out a career high, 10.5 assists per game, he is also averaging career highs in points, steals, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. His numbers could not be better, and he deserves to be recognized as a top 3 guard in the west(only trailing Kobe, and 2 time MVP Steve Nash).
Guard-Kobe Bryant-Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe is about to start in his 10th consecutive All-Star game, and he has done everything to deserve it. He is an outstanding player with countless records and individual achievements(Still doesn't have a damn MVP award). He is playing great basketball this year, scoring just under 27.7 points per game(2nd in the league). He has also been playing outstanding defense, and playing great team ball. IMO, he is the best player in the game, and All-Star doesn't even describe Mambas game.
Forward-Carmelo Anthony-Denver Nuggets: I don't no if many people would agree with me on this selection. However, I stand on my decision to have Melo be a starter in the All-Star game. He is an amazing scorer and, has also improved on his rebounding numbers(averaging 7 rebounds per game this year). He is having a great all around season and he should finally be recognized for everything he brings to the table. Although injury may force Carmelo to sit this game out, he performance in his first 40 games, has been definitely deserving of a starting spot on the West squad.
Forward-Carlos Boozer-Utah Jazz: I really wish I could have put Tim Duncan along with the starters. However, his numbers are clearly outdone by those of Carlos Boozer. Boozer is averaging a career high in points(22.51) this year. He has also been shooting great percentages, playing solid defense, and has been pulling down 10+ boards a night. He is a great PF, and clearly has many more All-Star appearances in his future.
Center-Marcus Camby-Denver Nuggets: The second All-Star from mile high city in the starting 5, and although Yao and Amare are playing terrific basketball, Camby is playing outstanding all around basketball. He has had 2 games this year with 10+ blocks. He also has 9 20+ rebound games, the most in the NBA so far this season. He is a defensive player of the year candidate, and has been playing some of the best basketball of his career this year.
Bench
Guard-Baron Davis-Golden State Warriors: Having arguably his best NBA season in his 9 year career, B-Diddy is playing phenomenal basketball right now. Considered a top 10 MVP candidate by some, Davis has been a terrific scorer, facilitator, and defender this year. He has had a variety of outstanding games this year, including 2 triple doubles, a 40 point explosion vs Chicago, and a very impressive 20 point-19 assist performance in a victory over the Grizzlies. With the way B-Diddy has been playing this year, he deserves a spot on the west squad without question.
Guard-Steve Nash-Phoenix Suns: Although the two time MVP is getting the least amount of recognition in his 4th year in Phoenix, it doesn't mean his game has slowed down at all. Nash has still been playing at an MVP level averaging a league best 11.9 assists per game this year, Nash is on pace to have another 50-40-90 season. Nash is an outstanding player and could be argued as a top 5 player. In 44 games this year Nash has 13 games with 15 or more assists.
Forward-Dirk Nowitzki-Dallas Mavericks: Although Dirk is one of my least favorite players, and I think he is overrated, he is still a great player. He deserves All-Star recognition, because he's an All-Star player. Although his averages this year, 22.3 points, and 8.6 rebounds aren't as good as last year, he is still at his career average, which is very good. Dirk is an outstanding player, but it wouldn't hurt him to play some defense, and become more of a rebounder/shot blocker.
Forward-Tim Duncan-San Antonio Spurs: Timmy D's numbers may be down, but he's still one of the 5 best players in the game. He's all-around impact in games has been there since his rookie year, and he continues to play great basketball. With averages of 19.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, Duncan is still an All-Star. He may not be a starter, but he is definitely a All-Star. Look for his numbers to improve along the rest of the season.
Center-Yao Ming: Houston Rockets: Another player I think gets more credit than he deserves, Yao Ming. He is for sure apart of the 12 players who makes this team, but he's not a starter. Because Yao Ming missed action for 29 games last year, this year is showing to be his best yet, in his 6 year NBA career. Averaging career highs in rebounds, 10.7, and blocked shots, 2.3, he is worthy of being apart of the 12 West All-Stars.
Guard-Allen Iverson-Denver Nuggets: Becoming the third Nugget on this roster, Iverson is having one of the best seasons of his career. His points and assists are great, however, those are not the stats that urged me to put him on the squad(Although they did help). The stat I am looking at, is 45.4%. Which is A.I.'s FG% this season. That is his highest shooting percentage since his second year in the league, in which he shot 46% from the field. As a long time fan of The Answer, it is great to see him improving a part of his game, that has been for so long, criticized.
Center-Amare Stoudemire-Phoenix Suns: If Amare was on any other team, he'd be averaging close to 30 points a game. However, since he is on the Phoenix Suns, he can average 22.7 a game, and still be considered a great player, and of course, an All-Star. He may have just barely made the cut, but he deserves it. He is shooting a career high 58.9% from the field, and blocking a career high, 2.2 blocks per game. He is just going to keep getting better, and he will be a All-Star for years to come.
Painful Omissions:
Center-Chris Kaman-Los Angeles Clippers
Forward/Guard-Josh Howard-Dallas Mavericks
Forward/Guard-Stephen Jackson-Golden State Warriors
Guard-Deron Williams-Utah Jazz
And there you have, my 2008 Western Conference All-Stars. My East All-Stars should be posted within the next 24 hours.
Hope you enjoyed my picks.
Also, Fab Five of the Month, for the month of January is coming out tomorrow, or on Thursday, remember to check that out!
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