This is a discussion that has no end to it until Thursday night when TNT will announce the reserves. Every fan either wants players from their favorite team to be voted in, or players who are on winning teams to be voted in, or just players whose stats are stuffed because they have no good talent surrounding them. So who gets the vote in? The players who win? Or the players who have impressive stats but not impressive records? Should Brandon Jennings who has his team in the playoffs make it over Deron Williams whose stats are similar but is considered an elite Point Guard. Should Nene who is a big part of Denver's success make it over Al Jefferson who is having a monster season for the Jazz?
East All-Star Reserves (Prediction)
- Brandon Jennings- As great as Rajon Rondo has been, his injury season should keep him out of the All-Star game. Brandon Jennings is having a terrific season, carrying his salvaged Bucks team into the Playoff race. True, Jennings can be a very streaky shooter but this season he has shown more maturity and leadership.
- Joe Johnson- The Atlanta Hawks team without Horford should have no business being in the Playoff race, but yet they have managed to take 5th seed as of today. Joe Johnson has kept himself healthy and sharp through the season, averaging just under 19 ppg.
- Luol Deng- It would be a shame if he did not make the ASG due to injuries. He has had a phenomenal season and a huge reason why Chicago's defense is a success. They call Deng the "glue-guy" because he is so crucial to the Bulls. Chicago has the best record in the East, and would have even a better record if Deng played. Deng's absence led to a loss in Philadelphia and Miami, two teams that Deng would have maintained their superstars (Iguodala & James). Deng's offense has improved greatly. If defense made the All-star team, you'd see Deng being a perennial All-Star. Unfortunately the game isn't about defense.
- Chris Bosh- The East roster cant be complete without the Big 3, or else it'd be called the Big 2. Chris Bosh has had a great year, especially when Wade was injured. Chris Bosh is playing more aggressive which only helps his campaign for the All-Star game.
- Roy Hibbert- The Indiana Pacers are on the top teams in the East and they need a representative from their team. Granger is probably having the best season from the Pacers squad, but Roy Hibbert should make the All-Star team. The only real competition is Joakim Noah, and it is not a tough decision. Hibbert's 14ppg and 10 rpg out weighs Joakim's 8 ppg and 9 rpg. Hibbert is a terrific Big man who will continue to make the All-Star team if he stays healthy.
- Paul Pierce- After a slow start for Boston, Pierce helped to put the Celtics back on the winning track. The Big 4 probably wont show up to the ASG but they will send Pierce as a representative, and that is a terrific choice. Paul Pierce is playing hard and is averaging 18 ppg while carrying the Celtics in the clutch.
- Andre Iguodala- The Sixers are having a great season and they deserve to send at least one player to represent them. Iguodala's stats may not be impressive, 13ppg 6 apg 7rpg. To be fair, the Sixers play basketball as a team so nobody's stats are going to "wow" you. His ability to control the offensive pace and play hard-nosed defense is spectacular.
West All-Star Reserves (Prediction)
- Russell Westbrook- The Thunder being the best team in the NBA has a lot to do with Westbrook and Durant. Westbrook is averaging a little under 22 ppg and has improved on his jump-shot. He can score and help create for Durant which makes them a deadly back-court.
- Ty Lawson- The little guy has made a big impression on the NBA. Lawson has stepped up ever since the Melo trade and he has yet to disappoint. The Nuggets also play team basketball like the Sixers, nobody has impressive stats but the team has an impressive record.
- Kevin Love- This guy is a Superstar. He is averaging 25 ppg and 13 rpg for a Wolves team that is on the rise. Love can beat you by the three, put-back baskets, or take you to the post. He is a deadly shooter which makes the pick-and-pop game so difficult to guard. Kevin Love is a stat sheet stuffer who can go for 20 and 20 at any given night.
- LaMarcus Aldrige- PLEASE get this man into the ASG. He is leading his Portland team with 23 ppg. He came into the league as a shooter, but this year he has added a lot of post-moves into his game. After Greg Oden being a no-show and Brandon Roy ending his short career, Lamarcus somehow keeps Portland fans happy and carrys the team on his shoulder.
- Al Jefferson- The most underrated Center in the NBA. His name barely gets mentioned by NBA analysts when they talk about best Centers in the league. He is a killer offensive threat in the post and is averaging 18 ppg and 9 rpg. He has his team in the Playoff race, What more can you ask from the guy?
- Tony Parker- The Spurs have been playing great basketball and it is because of Tony Parker. He is averaging 17 ppg and the Spurs making some noise in the Playoff race. He still got the speed and ability to finish in traffic which makes him a great guard.
- Danilo Gallinari- The Italian stud is a scoring machine. He may not be able to play great defense, but averaging 17 ppg on a winning team really means a lot. Rudy Gay could easily be picked also, but having Memphis at almost a .500 record could hurt his case.
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Tags: Al Jefferson, All Star, Andre Iguodala, Brandon Jennings, Chris Bosh, Danilo Gallinari, East, joe johnson, Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldrige, luol deng, NBA, Orlando, Paul Pierce, Prediction, Reserves, Roy Hibbert, Russell westbrook, tony parker, Ty Lawson, West
