In a couple of weeks, the desert oasis that prides itself on gaming, girls and entertainment will have a whole new show in town; the NBA All-Star game. On February 18th, the NBA makes its first trip away from local arenas and heads south to Las Vegas for the 56th annual mid-season showcase.With a new atmosphere for this year’s spectacle, the fans should be in for a treat, that is, if the players are restrained from the casino floors and VIP parties long enough to attend the gala of a game. The temptation of sin city, and the motto that is closely linked to the dreamer’s paradise, will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention during the festival. Keeping the ballers in tact will yet again be at the top rung on David Stern’s to-do, um, can’t-do list.
Through the first half of the season there has been plenty to be thankful for. Both the Suns and Mavs’ remarkable winning streaks (currently at 14 and 8 games respectively), the rise of the Jazz, the blockbuster trade that sent AI to the mountains, Gilbert Arenas buzzer beaters happening seemingly every night, the upstart Raps and Italian sensation Andrea Bargnani, and the Durant/Oden race that currently has the Hawks, Grizz and Sixers in the futility lead, chasing a franchise altering stud.
Now its time to name the ballers who will be representing the East and West in this year’s game. Let’s get right to it.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Starters:
G – J. Kidd
G – G. Arenas
F – L. James
F – C. Bosh
C – D. Howard
Reserves:
G – D. Wade
G – M. Redd
G – G. Arenas
F – L. James
F – C. Bosh
C – D. Howard
Reserves:
G – D. Wade
G – M. Redd
G/F - L. Deng
G/F – P. Pierce
G/F – C. Butler
F – J. O’Neal
F/C – E. Okafor
When choosing an All-Star line up, separating yourself from popular public opinion is highly advantageous. No one likes to see the exact same players in the game year after year, just like no one likes to see the same teams play in the finals every year, it just gets too predictable. Too often many opinions and veiws are based on past experiences with a player, recalling on their once dominant game and rewarding what someone has done over their career, instead of the current season. Rewarding a stellar season, which the All-Star game is intended to do, seems as though it’s a train of thought lost by many involved. And really, why should someone get an invite for nothing short of All-Star credentials?
Jason Kidd is by far the top PG in the Eastern Conference. Running the floor very similar to a
now bearded man from Phoenix, Kidd demands attention. When defenders zone in on him, he seems to always find the right man at the right time. His creativity, vision, athletic ability and basketball IQ have made him one of the most efficient and highly prolific PG of the past decade and a half. This year is no different. Rumours are flying around that Kidd may be the one uprooted from Jersey; a once bright and promising future. The decline of VC and injuries to Jefferson and Kristic, coupled with the Nets recent drafting of PG Marcus Williams, easily makes Kidd the most appealing target for playoff contenders looking to make a statement. Possible destinations for the future HOF include Houston (teamed up with Yao and TMac the Wild Wild West would just get even more interesting) and Minnesota (although they’ll never make a deal to please KG and make themselves better). Nonetheless Kidd will always bring a fierce competitive spirit to the floor and you can expect the same in Vegas.
Teaming up with Kidd in the backcourt will be, without hesitation, Gilbert Freakin Arenas. Arenas is putting up MVP numbers this year (29.7ppg, 6.2apg, 4.5rpg) and has continually been the man with the answer come the last 10 seconds of a game. Arenas is showing what made him an unheralded star throughout his rise to the NBA, and on a nightly basis, is the most entertaining player in the league. If you have yet to tune in and catch Gil and the Wizards, do yourself a favour and get on that, this guy is way too good for people to still not know who he is!
Running the floor with the talented backcourt duo will be a trio of young stars, insanely gifted, and who all are finding that killer instinct that made Jordan, Russell, Bird and Magic annual staples at the mid-season gala. LBJ is the King everyone touted him to be entering the league as a high-schooler. CB4 and Dirty Dozen are two players who are turning into the face of two franchises that have very bright futures in front of them.
In the case of Bosh, he was sidelined for 12 games early in the season, the best thing that could have ever happened for the Raptors. With Bosh in the line-up at the start of the season, far too
much attention in the offensive sets were placed on his shoulders. Don’t get me wrong, he handled the added responsibility tremendously; the rest of the team was a different story, however. After coming to the realization that their best player would be sidelined for an extended period of time, the new group of cast-offs, youngsters and Euro League stars started to gain confidence, play with poise and feed off each other, something that was lacking with Bosh in the line-up. Things seemed like they were going great, until Bosh’s return that is. The team would continually pass to the now-vicious PF and then basically stand around the 3-point line, leaving Bosh on his own to go one-on-one with his defender. Well, after about two games of this, either from the tutelage of Sam Mitchell or finally remembering why they are in the NBA, the band of brothers surrounding CB4 started to play inspired, confident basketball. Now the Raps are one of the hotter teams in the League (ranked #9 in the current power rankings), all to the credit of confidence and team play. With the newly ferocious Chris Bosh playing at a very high level and the supporting cast getting better every night, this team looks like they may be good enough to not lose the Atlantic and make a long awaited trip to the playoffs.
Dwight Howard is a freak of nature with a wing span stretching from Orlando to Las Vegas, shoulders so broad that entering doorways must be difficult and a sixth sense to know where to be at the most opportune time. He is turning into the franchise player the Magic knew he would be when they drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2004 entry draft. Howard is a shot-blocking machine who has a very daunting presence at both ends of the floor.
The bench for the Eastern squad includes a few newcomers. Caron Butler (21.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 4.0asp, 2.0spg) is once again putting up stellar numbers, being the perfect compliment to a
superstar. Benefiting from playing with the likes of Bryant and Wade in the past few years, Butler has matured into a legitimate star in the league, albeit, shadowed by Agent Zero’s nightly romps. Butler plays well off the ball and as a defender, making him a very strong all-around force that the Wizard desperately needed him to be. Michael Redd has continued to improve his scoring rates, averaging 27.7ppg this year for the Bucks. He is one of the only bright spots on a Milwaukee team that has been riddled with injuries early in the season. On a nightly basis, he is capable of going off for 40 and being the guy who opposing teams hate to see step on the floor. Emeka Okafor and Luol Deng are the last newcomers to the list of East All-Stars. Okafor has got many people referring to him as a new-aged Mount Mutombo for his tenacious defence and shot-blocking ability. Okafor (14.9ppg, 11.2rpg, 2.9bpg) swats offensive attempts into the third row with such ferociousness that makes slashers and shooters terrified to enter the paint. The Bobcat big man has had games of 5,6,7,8 (twice) and 10 blocks already this season. He mainly plays with his back to the basket, but scores at a very high efficiency and can alter a game at either end of the floor. Luol Deng (17.9ppg, 6.5rpg) has been the most consistent and productive player on a highly touted and hyped Bulls team. He has been able to turn in strong performances nightly and now that the consenus is to play as a team, and the growing comfort everyone has for eachother, the Bulls should finish strong in the second half.
Honourable mention goes to Joe Johnson who just missed out on a trip to Vegas. I wonder if he still thinks taking that max contract from the Hawks to exit Phoenix was a wise decision. And no, you did not miss something, thankfully, there is no Vince Carter on this list. All-Stars are rewarded for their on-court ability and hard work. For Carter, the ability has always been there, the willingness to do the little things, well, that’s another story. We also don't see any Pistons on this years roster, which is a dramatic change from last year. Minus four bad-boys from Motown is probably the best thing that could happen to the cohesive unit. Not having to consistantly justify themselves this year, and with the arrival of CWebb, the Pistons are looking to finish strong in a weak Eastern Conference and the break they'll get over the All-Star festival is both well deserved and much needed.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Starters:
G – S. Nash
G – K. Bryant
F – S. Marion
F – D. Nowitzki
C – Y. Ming
Reserves:
G – A. Iverson
G – D. Williams
F/G – K. Martin
G/F – P. Pierce
G/F – C. Butler
F – J. O’Neal
F/C – E. Okafor
When choosing an All-Star line up, separating yourself from popular public opinion is highly advantageous. No one likes to see the exact same players in the game year after year, just like no one likes to see the same teams play in the finals every year, it just gets too predictable. Too often many opinions and veiws are based on past experiences with a player, recalling on their once dominant game and rewarding what someone has done over their career, instead of the current season. Rewarding a stellar season, which the All-Star game is intended to do, seems as though it’s a train of thought lost by many involved. And really, why should someone get an invite for nothing short of All-Star credentials?
Jason Kidd is by far the top PG in the Eastern Conference. Running the floor very similar to a
now bearded man from Phoenix, Kidd demands attention. When defenders zone in on him, he seems to always find the right man at the right time. His creativity, vision, athletic ability and basketball IQ have made him one of the most efficient and highly prolific PG of the past decade and a half. This year is no different. Rumours are flying around that Kidd may be the one uprooted from Jersey; a once bright and promising future. The decline of VC and injuries to Jefferson and Kristic, coupled with the Nets recent drafting of PG Marcus Williams, easily makes Kidd the most appealing target for playoff contenders looking to make a statement. Possible destinations for the future HOF include Houston (teamed up with Yao and TMac the Wild Wild West would just get even more interesting) and Minnesota (although they’ll never make a deal to please KG and make themselves better). Nonetheless Kidd will always bring a fierce competitive spirit to the floor and you can expect the same in Vegas.
Teaming up with Kidd in the backcourt will be, without hesitation, Gilbert Freakin Arenas. Arenas is putting up MVP numbers this year (29.7ppg, 6.2apg, 4.5rpg) and has continually been the man with the answer come the last 10 seconds of a game. Arenas is showing what made him an unheralded star throughout his rise to the NBA, and on a nightly basis, is the most entertaining player in the league. If you have yet to tune in and catch Gil and the Wizards, do yourself a favour and get on that, this guy is way too good for people to still not know who he is!Running the floor with the talented backcourt duo will be a trio of young stars, insanely gifted, and who all are finding that killer instinct that made Jordan, Russell, Bird and Magic annual staples at the mid-season gala. LBJ is the King everyone touted him to be entering the league as a high-schooler. CB4 and Dirty Dozen are two players who are turning into the face of two franchises that have very bright futures in front of them.
In the case of Bosh, he was sidelined for 12 games early in the season, the best thing that could have ever happened for the Raptors. With Bosh in the line-up at the start of the season, far too
much attention in the offensive sets were placed on his shoulders. Don’t get me wrong, he handled the added responsibility tremendously; the rest of the team was a different story, however. After coming to the realization that their best player would be sidelined for an extended period of time, the new group of cast-offs, youngsters and Euro League stars started to gain confidence, play with poise and feed off each other, something that was lacking with Bosh in the line-up. Things seemed like they were going great, until Bosh’s return that is. The team would continually pass to the now-vicious PF and then basically stand around the 3-point line, leaving Bosh on his own to go one-on-one with his defender. Well, after about two games of this, either from the tutelage of Sam Mitchell or finally remembering why they are in the NBA, the band of brothers surrounding CB4 started to play inspired, confident basketball. Now the Raps are one of the hotter teams in the League (ranked #9 in the current power rankings), all to the credit of confidence and team play. With the newly ferocious Chris Bosh playing at a very high level and the supporting cast getting better every night, this team looks like they may be good enough to not lose the Atlantic and make a long awaited trip to the playoffs.Dwight Howard is a freak of nature with a wing span stretching from Orlando to Las Vegas, shoulders so broad that entering doorways must be difficult and a sixth sense to know where to be at the most opportune time. He is turning into the franchise player the Magic knew he would be when they drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2004 entry draft. Howard is a shot-blocking machine who has a very daunting presence at both ends of the floor.
The bench for the Eastern squad includes a few newcomers. Caron Butler (21.1ppg, 8.0rpg, 4.0asp, 2.0spg) is once again putting up stellar numbers, being the perfect compliment to a
superstar. Benefiting from playing with the likes of Bryant and Wade in the past few years, Butler has matured into a legitimate star in the league, albeit, shadowed by Agent Zero’s nightly romps. Butler plays well off the ball and as a defender, making him a very strong all-around force that the Wizard desperately needed him to be. Michael Redd has continued to improve his scoring rates, averaging 27.7ppg this year for the Bucks. He is one of the only bright spots on a Milwaukee team that has been riddled with injuries early in the season. On a nightly basis, he is capable of going off for 40 and being the guy who opposing teams hate to see step on the floor. Emeka Okafor and Luol Deng are the last newcomers to the list of East All-Stars. Okafor has got many people referring to him as a new-aged Mount Mutombo for his tenacious defence and shot-blocking ability. Okafor (14.9ppg, 11.2rpg, 2.9bpg) swats offensive attempts into the third row with such ferociousness that makes slashers and shooters terrified to enter the paint. The Bobcat big man has had games of 5,6,7,8 (twice) and 10 blocks already this season. He mainly plays with his back to the basket, but scores at a very high efficiency and can alter a game at either end of the floor. Luol Deng (17.9ppg, 6.5rpg) has been the most consistent and productive player on a highly touted and hyped Bulls team. He has been able to turn in strong performances nightly and now that the consenus is to play as a team, and the growing comfort everyone has for eachother, the Bulls should finish strong in the second half.Honourable mention goes to Joe Johnson who just missed out on a trip to Vegas. I wonder if he still thinks taking that max contract from the Hawks to exit Phoenix was a wise decision. And no, you did not miss something, thankfully, there is no Vince Carter on this list. All-Stars are rewarded for their on-court ability and hard work. For Carter, the ability has always been there, the willingness to do the little things, well, that’s another story. We also don't see any Pistons on this years roster, which is a dramatic change from last year. Minus four bad-boys from Motown is probably the best thing that could happen to the cohesive unit. Not having to consistantly justify themselves this year, and with the arrival of CWebb, the Pistons are looking to finish strong in a weak Eastern Conference and the break they'll get over the All-Star festival is both well deserved and much needed.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Starters:
G – S. Nash
G – K. Bryant
F – S. Marion
F – D. Nowitzki
C – Y. Ming
Reserves:
G – A. Iverson
G – D. Williams
F/G – K. Martin
F - C. Anthony
F – Z. Randolph
F – C. Boozer
F/C – K. Garnett
The Western conference is where it’s at this year. The conference bodes host to powerhouse teams Pho, Dal, SA, Den, Hou, Utah, LAL and the myriad of All-Stars that go along with them. Running the show is none other than Steve Nash (19.5ppg, 11.6apg, while shooting lights out from the floor: 53.9 FG%, 49.8 3pt-FG%, 88.8 FT%). I could easily go on for another 5,000 words on Nash alone, but I’ll leave it to ESPN.com columnist and personal favourite, Bill Simmons.
Playing the 2-guard will be the incumbent hero, Kobe Bryant. Bryant has once again displayed his marvellous skills throughout the first half of the year (28.3ppg, 5.5apg, 5.4rpg, 1.2spg) and showing that he can play within a system that allows for total team participation and interaction, making not only himself more effective, but his entire team that much better. LA currently sits fifth in the highly competitive West (27-15) and this has everything to do with Kobe. He’s on the short list for MVP candidates at the mid-way mark of the season (other MVP Candidates: Nash, Nowitzki, Arenas).
Leading the charge in the front court will be two international stars; Ming and Nowitzki, and an unappreciated, immensely intangible Shawn Marion. These three are all prolific in slightly different ways. Yao (25.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.2bpg) is a footer, hell, he’s a 7-foot 6-inch center who has a dominating presence in the blocks, alters shot attempts, plays hard on the glass and has found that sweet touch that made Wilt, Shaq and Kareem superb centres in the league. Yao has become everything the Rockets and the NBA prayed he could be after coming from China.
F – Z. Randolph
F – C. Boozer
F/C – K. Garnett
The Western conference is where it’s at this year. The conference bodes host to powerhouse teams Pho, Dal, SA, Den, Hou, Utah, LAL and the myriad of All-Stars that go along with them. Running the show is none other than Steve Nash (19.5ppg, 11.6apg, while shooting lights out from the floor: 53.9 FG%, 49.8 3pt-FG%, 88.8 FT%). I could easily go on for another 5,000 words on Nash alone, but I’ll leave it to ESPN.com columnist and personal favourite, Bill Simmons.
Playing the 2-guard will be the incumbent hero, Kobe Bryant. Bryant has once again displayed his marvellous skills throughout the first half of the year (28.3ppg, 5.5apg, 5.4rpg, 1.2spg) and showing that he can play within a system that allows for total team participation and interaction, making not only himself more effective, but his entire team that much better. LA currently sits fifth in the highly competitive West (27-15) and this has everything to do with Kobe. He’s on the short list for MVP candidates at the mid-way mark of the season (other MVP Candidates: Nash, Nowitzki, Arenas).
Leading the charge in the front court will be two international stars; Ming and Nowitzki, and an unappreciated, immensely intangible Shawn Marion. These three are all prolific in slightly different ways. Yao (25.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.2bpg) is a footer, hell, he’s a 7-foot 6-inch center who has a dominating presence in the blocks, alters shot attempts, plays hard on the glass and has found that sweet touch that made Wilt, Shaq and Kareem superb centres in the league. Yao has become everything the Rockets and the NBA prayed he could be after coming from China.
Dirk (25.1ppg, 9.5rpg, 3.3apg) has an added chip on his shoulder and burning intensity in his eyes following last years crushing loss in the Finals to the Heat, and has been playing like a man on fire throughout the first half of the season. He single-handily carries this team when needed and completely takes over games in late-game pressure situations. His extremely high efficiency from anywhere on the floor as a footer makes him almost impossible to stop, and with the emergence and consistency shown by Josh Howard, has the Mavs positioned for a deep run and a legitimate shot at the ultimate prize.The x-factor out of them all though is Shawn Marion. Marion (18.9ppg, 
9.8rpg, 2.1spg, 1.5bpg) is the one player, outside of Nash, that makes the Suns the special group of players they have come to be. His unselfishness and uncanny willingness to differ attention, both on and off the court, has favoured the greater good throughout his playing career. A defensive force that can run the floor like a cheetah, Marion makes the up-tempo, run-n-gun offence flow the way it was intended. His ability to slash to the basket, effectively run off screens and cut to the hoop, and be a highly efficient scorer while not being the focal point of the offence, makes him the special player he is. It’s too bad that there have been grumblings that Marion may finally want some more main stream attention. If he and the Suns can stay humble and focused on the task at hand, the sky is the limit for this talented group.
The bench for the Western team includes a group of players who have all driven a different road on their way to Vegas. KG will jump on his usual mid-winter flight to the yearly destination hosting the All-Star festivities, for all the others, this trip has come somewhat unexpectedly.
The tatted-tandem, who finally got the chance to play alongside one another in Denver earlier this week, will be teamed up again, this time at the All-Star festivities in Vegas. Allen Iverson (29.0ppg, 7.5apg, 2.1spg) and Carmelo Anthony (31.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 4.1apg) have both torched the league this year individually, scoring at an insane pace. Now teamed together, they quickly showed in their first game that this relationship can work, if handled properly. George Karl will need to keep the Nuggets running at the same pace the Suns operate at to be successful in the cock-fight that is the Western Conference. By running the floor on every possession and getting timely and consistent production from J.R. Smith, Nene and Marcus Camby (who just missed an all-star spot), they will be a very tough team to face come playoff time.
Another teammate tandem that should be chronicled at this year’s slamfest is Deron Williams
(17.0ppg, 8.8apg) and Carlos Boozer (22.1ppg, 11.8rpg). These two have brought life back to Mormon territory and are drawing comparisons to that other PG/PF combo that toyed with their opponents for some many using an array of text book skills. After having a strong rookie campaign, Williams spent the summer at John Stockton’s basketball camp, absorbing anything and everything he could from the retired Jazz star. The results; the Jazz were the best team in the NBA for the first couple months and only now have cooled down to a bearable temperature. With the physically imposing presence and finesse scoring ability close to the basket displayed by Boozer, who has flat out killed just about every other big man he’s played this year, the Jazz are looking at a very entertaining second half of the season. I think Jerry Sloan deserves a little credit for this; he spends endless hours studying film, analyzing and dissecting opponents’ schemes and sets and prepares his team to compete every single night. Something he has been doing for the past 40 years as both a player and coach in the NBA.
Rounding out the new crop of Western All-Stars includes youngster and seemingly unknown
swing man, Kevin Martin of the Sacramento Kings and redundant pseudo-star Zach Randolph of the Portland TrailBlazers. Coming off two very mediocre seasons in the league, Martin (20.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.1apg) has emerged as a dangerous scoring threat who has been scoring at a very high rate (49.6 FG%) and been the only bright spot on a dismal Kings squad. Joining him will be Zach Randolph who has had a pleasantly surprising season in Portland. Randolph (23.6ppg, 10.2rpg), being the last player left from the JailBlazers squad that attracted attention more so for their off-court antics and run-ins with the law then their basketball prowess, has solidified his stance as one of the most versatile and effective bigs in the League. He is able to break defenders down while facing up from 15ft or take them down to the blocks and play with his back to the basket. Part of a young nucleolus that includes himself, PG Jarrett Jack, SG Brandon Roy, F Martel Webster and F LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers could revert from a thick cloud of smoke to contend in the near future with Randolph playing a pivotal role.
Honourable mentions include: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Lamar Oden (who was playing amazing alongside Kobe before an injury sidelined him), Marcus Camby, Pau Gasol (who has looked great since his return from the DL), Josh Howard, and Chris Paul. All of which could have easily been included on the roster given more available spots.
So there you have it, a roster which is somewhat unconventional, but nonetheless highly deserving of the honour to represent their franchises, cities and ultimately themselves at the 56th NBA All-Star game.
Let’s hope, for the sake of the NBA and parole officers’ everywhere, that the old adage stays true; whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
-JW
9.8rpg, 2.1spg, 1.5bpg) is the one player, outside of Nash, that makes the Suns the special group of players they have come to be. His unselfishness and uncanny willingness to differ attention, both on and off the court, has favoured the greater good throughout his playing career. A defensive force that can run the floor like a cheetah, Marion makes the up-tempo, run-n-gun offence flow the way it was intended. His ability to slash to the basket, effectively run off screens and cut to the hoop, and be a highly efficient scorer while not being the focal point of the offence, makes him the special player he is. It’s too bad that there have been grumblings that Marion may finally want some more main stream attention. If he and the Suns can stay humble and focused on the task at hand, the sky is the limit for this talented group.The bench for the Western team includes a group of players who have all driven a different road on their way to Vegas. KG will jump on his usual mid-winter flight to the yearly destination hosting the All-Star festivities, for all the others, this trip has come somewhat unexpectedly.
The tatted-tandem, who finally got the chance to play alongside one another in Denver earlier this week, will be teamed up again, this time at the All-Star festivities in Vegas. Allen Iverson (29.0ppg, 7.5apg, 2.1spg) and Carmelo Anthony (31.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 4.1apg) have both torched the league this year individually, scoring at an insane pace. Now teamed together, they quickly showed in their first game that this relationship can work, if handled properly. George Karl will need to keep the Nuggets running at the same pace the Suns operate at to be successful in the cock-fight that is the Western Conference. By running the floor on every possession and getting timely and consistent production from J.R. Smith, Nene and Marcus Camby (who just missed an all-star spot), they will be a very tough team to face come playoff time.Another teammate tandem that should be chronicled at this year’s slamfest is Deron Williams
(17.0ppg, 8.8apg) and Carlos Boozer (22.1ppg, 11.8rpg). These two have brought life back to Mormon territory and are drawing comparisons to that other PG/PF combo that toyed with their opponents for some many using an array of text book skills. After having a strong rookie campaign, Williams spent the summer at John Stockton’s basketball camp, absorbing anything and everything he could from the retired Jazz star. The results; the Jazz were the best team in the NBA for the first couple months and only now have cooled down to a bearable temperature. With the physically imposing presence and finesse scoring ability close to the basket displayed by Boozer, who has flat out killed just about every other big man he’s played this year, the Jazz are looking at a very entertaining second half of the season. I think Jerry Sloan deserves a little credit for this; he spends endless hours studying film, analyzing and dissecting opponents’ schemes and sets and prepares his team to compete every single night. Something he has been doing for the past 40 years as both a player and coach in the NBA.Rounding out the new crop of Western All-Stars includes youngster and seemingly unknown
swing man, Kevin Martin of the Sacramento Kings and redundant pseudo-star Zach Randolph of the Portland TrailBlazers. Coming off two very mediocre seasons in the league, Martin (20.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.1apg) has emerged as a dangerous scoring threat who has been scoring at a very high rate (49.6 FG%) and been the only bright spot on a dismal Kings squad. Joining him will be Zach Randolph who has had a pleasantly surprising season in Portland. Randolph (23.6ppg, 10.2rpg), being the last player left from the JailBlazers squad that attracted attention more so for their off-court antics and run-ins with the law then their basketball prowess, has solidified his stance as one of the most versatile and effective bigs in the League. He is able to break defenders down while facing up from 15ft or take them down to the blocks and play with his back to the basket. Part of a young nucleolus that includes himself, PG Jarrett Jack, SG Brandon Roy, F Martel Webster and F LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers could revert from a thick cloud of smoke to contend in the near future with Randolph playing a pivotal role.Honourable mentions include: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Lamar Oden (who was playing amazing alongside Kobe before an injury sidelined him), Marcus Camby, Pau Gasol (who has looked great since his return from the DL), Josh Howard, and Chris Paul. All of which could have easily been included on the roster given more available spots.
So there you have it, a roster which is somewhat unconventional, but nonetheless highly deserving of the honour to represent their franchises, cities and ultimately themselves at the 56th NBA All-Star game.
Let’s hope, for the sake of the NBA and parole officers’ everywhere, that the old adage stays true; whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
-JW
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