If I Were a Country of 1 Billion People, My 2008 NBA East All-Stars Would Be:

Here's Crossover Hoops, 2008 NBA Eastern Conference All-Stars:

Starters

Guard-Dwyane Wade-Miami Heat: D-Wade is the first example, so far, of a player on a completely horrendous team, but he still deserves an All-Star team spot. Wade is such an amazing player, even I sometimes discredit him for everything he does. He plays through so much pain, and is still an outstanding player. With averages of 25.3 points, 6.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals, Wade is having an elite season, even with the struggles his team is having.

Guard-Jason Kidd-New Jersey Nets: His shooting percentages may disgust you, but Kidd gets the job done. He already has eleven, I repeat, ELEVEN, triple doubles this year. He is one of the smartest guards in the game. He knows where to be when shots go up, he makes excellent passes, and he a solid defender. One game of Kidd's that has been in the back of my mind all year, was his November 16 game vs Orlando. He recorded, 19 rebounds! He also had 10 assists and 11 points. One of the best all around performances, IMO, this season.

Forward-LeBron James-Cleveland Cavaliers: Arguably the best player in the NBA, LeBron James is having a stellar season. Not only is he leading the league in scoring, but he is also shooting a career best, 48.2% from the field, and career bests in rebounds(7.7), assists(7.3), and blocks(1.1). I do not need to say much about LBJ, because everyone knows he is well-deserving of this slot on the East All-Stars.

Forward-Kevin Garnett-Boston Celtics: Not having his best statistical season of his career, but KG is still playing excellent basketball. He is playing some of the most dominate defense of his career, and is shooting a career high 55.1% from the field. Although his scoring numbers are down, it is due to the fact that he is on a Celtics team with three other players capable of scoring 20+ every game.

Center-Dwight Howard-Orlando Magic: D-How is easily the best center in the NBA, and arguably a top 10 player in the league. He is leading the league in rebounds with a 14.9 average, and is also 4th in the league in blocks per game, averaging just over 2.6 swats per game. He is looking to become this first player since Wilt Chamberlain, to average at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, and shoot at least 60% from the field. Very good company to be in for a player who is only 22 years old. Howard is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, free throw attempts per game, and minutes per game. He is having an amazing season, and could be in the running for MVP.


Guard-Chauncey Billups-Detroit Pistons: Piston point guard Chauncey Billups is having a very good season, well deserving of a spot on the All-Star team. With averages of 17.9 points per game, 7.1 assists per game, and shooting a career high, 45.8% from the field, Billups is definitely All-Star material. With not much competition among guards in the East, it was a fairly easy choice to name Chauncey a Crossover Hoops Eastern Conference All-Star.

Guard-Richard Hamilton-Detroit Pistons: It was a difficult decision to pick Rip over the sharp shooter from Milwaukee, but, Hamilton's numbers just impress me way more than Redd's do. Not only is Richard Hamilton averaging 19.0 points and 4.4 assists per game, he is also shooting amazing percentages from the field, and beyond the arc. Shooting 50.3% from the field, on 15.2 shots per game, is great. He is also shooting a ridiculous 46.7% from behind the arc, which is sixth in the league. Hamilton is having another great season, and he deserves to be noticed.

Forward-Caron Butler-Washington Wizards: Having easily the best season of his young career, Wizards forward Caron Butler has earned his trip to New Orleans. He is averaging career highs in almost every stat. Points(21.9), assists(4.3), field goal percentage(48.1), three point percentage(37.2), free throw percentage(91.5), steals(2.4), and minutes per game(40.5). He also has 2 triple doubles this year. He is a great all around player, and is truly an NBA All-Star.

Forward-Richard Jefferson-New Jersey Nets: Richard Jefferson is having a year, that everyone has been waiting for. He is finally starting to reach his potential. He has gotten of to a scorching start, averaging 24.0 points per game, which is good enough to be 6th in the NBA. He is finally starting to climb the ladder to superstar status, and is doing so convincingly. No way RJ should be left off the East squad.

Center-Chris Bosh-Toronto Raptors: Regarded by most as a power forward in this league, but there is absolutely no other center besides Howard in the east, that deserves to make this team. So, I, like many others, know that CB4 plays enough time at center to be put on the team as a backup center. Bosh is a great big, and continues to get better. Although he got off to a slow start, he has managed to get past that, and show that he is a dominate player in todays game.

Forward-Antwan Jamison-Washington Wizards: Like the Pistons, the Wizards, also have multiple players on the All-Star team. Antwan Jamison is having a spectacular season, and is certainly having an All-Star caliber season. With averages of 21.4 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game, Antwan is stepping up big in the absence of Agent Zero.

Guard: Michael Redd-Milwaukee Bucks: I originally had Celtic, Paul Pierce, in this last slot, however, comparing the two statistically, Redd is having a far superior season. Coming off an injury plagued year, Redd has responded with averages of 23.0 points, 3.6 assists(career high), 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Look for Redd to continue scoring a bunch of points, and continue his path to being more than just an All-Star.

Painful Omissions:
Forward-Paul Pierce-Boston Celtics
Guard/Forward-Vince Carter
Forward-Gerald Wallace-Charlotte Bobcats
Guard-Jose Calderon-Toronto Raptors

Well those are the 2008 Crossover Hoop All-Stars. Hope you enjoyed reading my West and East rosters.

COMING SOON!

-Mike's Monthly Fab Five(For January 2008)
-All-Star Weekend Predictions and possibly an All-Star Saturday Night Diary
-Saturday's Trade of the Week(Trade #3)