1. Chris Bosh - Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh was a notable absentee as the NBA revealed its list of starters for the 2009 All-Star Game in Phoenix. Bosh (1,101,052) finished fifth in voting for Eastern Conference forwards behind Paul Pierce (1,238,763), Yi Jianlian (1,813,829), Kevin Garnett (2,066,833) and LeBron James (2,940,823). The top vote getter in the East was Orlando's Dwight Howard, who eclipsed the three million mark (3,150,181).Bosh has played in all 44 games for the Raptors this season and sits seventh in league scoring with an average of 23.3 PPG.2. Ray Allen - Boston CelticsThe Celtics most consistent player this season is clearly a victim of the Celtics own success. It seemed to come down to one spot between Allen and Magic swingman Rashard Lewis, and Lewis got the nod this time. Ray, who made the East team last year at the last minute when Caron Butler was injured and could not play, will certainly trade an All-Star nod for another ring any day of the week.
3. Al Jefferson - Minnesota TimberwolvesPeople often forget when the Celtics traded for Kevin Garnett, it was the young developing Jefferson who had to be part of the deal for Minnesota to pull the trigger on. Under Kevin Mchale’s direction, Jefferson has evolved into one of the top five power forwards in the league. If you don’t get a chance to watch Jefferson play, you are missing out. Unfortunately, this league is a popularity contest for the fans, so his chances of starting were slim. In the West, it came down to three players and two forward spots. You can argue that Jefferson, Pau Gasol, and David West are all interchangeable regarding their stats this year, with Gasol and West getting the nod due to the better teams they are on.
4. Kevin Durant - OKC ThunderAnother star player who did not get the nod simply because of his supporting cast. I had Durant on my starting five at small forward for the West, based on his play the first half of the season, and the injury of Carmelo Anthony(see number 5. on this list). Durant is the face of the Thunder franchise, averaging nearly 25 points a game this season, and being a leader both on the court and in the locker room. For a league that is all about marketing it’s stars, the young Durant would have done very well to be showcased on the biggest stage of them all aside the likes of Kobe, Shaq, and Duncan so he could showcase his talent.
5. Carmelo Anthony - Denver NuggetsBefore his injury, Carmelo was starting this game. Now, nearly two weeks before the game, he gets cleared to play, yet the coaches don’t even leave a reserve spot open for him. I am sure Melo will take it in stride, but there is no doubt Anthony is a All-Star this year, and for seasons to come.Players like Steve Nash, Paul Millsap, Mo Williams, Rajon Rondo, and Vince Carter are all having solid seasons, but the league is getting deeper with talent in their respective conferences and positions, and they simply don’t have as strong an argument as those who made it in front of them.
Out 10 games should not put Melo on the outside of the All-Star ballot. It is evident he is an All Star and is another reason why the voting needs to be changed. He had the numbers; he has shown vast improvement in Defense over last year; he is a leader NOW on and off the court. He has changed his "TUDE" off the court that needed to happen; and, is deserving.
ReplyDeleteThe vote needs to change.
westerngoldwing