NBA All Star Team
The League has experience its fair share of highs and lows in the first half of an interesting season. All-Star balloting has finished up and fans have spoken. Like most sports industries the fans have a say in the All Star team and for God’s sake they should! This is America, where democracy and capitalism rule. We fought off Redcoats for this right? However, Jeremy Lin was the 4th highest backcourt votes receiver in the West, ahead of his teammate James Harden. Kobe also topped the list of All Star guards from the West, behind only Steph Curry. Tip of the hat to those players to win over the hearts and minds of NBA fans while playing poorly or not playing at all. We, Joe Lauzon and I, took it upon ourselves to revise and edit the All Star rosters to what we believe they should look like. Here is what the voting looked like:
Eastern Conference
Frontcourt
1. LeBron James (Mia) 1,416,419
2. Paul George (Ind) 1,211,318
3. Carmelo Anthony (NYK) 935,702
4. Roy Hibbert (Ind) 524,809
5. Chris Bosh (Mia) 406,867
6. Kevin Garnett (Bkn) 209,398
7. Joakim Noah (Chi) 181,145
8. Andre Drummond (Det) 163,798
9. Tyson Chandler (NYK) 137,512
10. Luol Deng (Cle) 121,754
11. Jeff Green (Bos) 121,040
12. Carlos Boozer (Chi) 103,502
13. David West (Ind) 95,363
14. Paul Pierce (Bkn) 95,034
15. Josh Smith (Det) 75,433
Backcourt
1. Dwyane Wade (Mia) 929,542
2. Kyrie Irving (Cle) 860,221
3. John Wall (Was) 393,129
4. Derrick Rose (Chi) 359,546
5. Ray Allen (Mia) 250,909
6. Rajon Rondo (Bos) 174,654
7. Lance Stephenson (Ind) 148,382
8. DeMar DeRozan (Tor) 131,228
9. George Hill (Ind) 129,533
10. Deron Williams (Bkn) 126,423
Western Conference
Frontcourt
1. Kevin Durant (OKC) 1,396,294
2. Blake Griffin (LAC) 688,466
3. Kevin Love (Min) 661,246
4. Dwight Howard (Hou) 653,318
5. LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 609,172
6. Tim Duncan (SA) 492,657
7. Anthony Davis (NO) 286,247
8. Andre Iguodala (GS) 266,611
9. DeMarcus Cousins (Sac) 255,005
10. Pau Gasol (LAL) 247,323
11. David Lee (GS) 232,210
12. Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 201,873
13. Chandler Parsons (Hou) 174,512
14. Omer Asik (Hou) 130,344
15. Andrew Bogut (GS) 127,947
Backcourt
1. Stephen Curry (GS) 1,047,281
2. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 988,884
3. Chris Paul (LAC) 804,309
4. Jeremy Lin (Hou) 628,818
5. James Harden (Hou) 470,381
6. Russell Westbrook (OKC) 317,338
7. Damian Lillard (Por) 280,966
8. Tony Parker (SA) 258,751
9. Klay Thompson (GS) 162,984
10. Ricky Rubio (Min) 124,230
And here is what Joe Lauzon and I (Brian Burton) each arrived at separately:
Eastern Conference:
Starters
Guard
John Wall 20.2ppg 8.5 apg 4.3 rpg 20 PER-Brian & Joe
The fans voted in Kyrie as the starting guard and for good reason. Uncle Drew is one of the most entertaining players in the game. Unleashing him in a game with little to no defense would give us endless gifs of his handles. However, John Wall is playing significantly better, especially of late. He is also a much better defender, opposed to Kyrie whose defense could be described as lackluster at times.-Brian
I’m picking John Wall for this spot too. The numbers don’t lie for this one. He leads the Eastern Conference in assists while still putting up 20 points per game. The only other player that has put up at least 20 points and 8 assists per game this year is Steph Curry. The Wizards are also competing for a playoff spot right now while the Cavaliers are not, so for that, Wall gets the nod over Kyrie. -Joe
Guard
Paul George 23.3 ppg 3.4 apg 6.2 rpg 23 PER-Brian
Arron Afflalo 20.2 ppg 3.8 apg 4.5 rpg 18 PER-Joe
While this might be considered cheating because George is listed as a forward, he did play significant time at the shooting guard position. He is the only player that could possibly be mentioned with LeBron as far as two way players go.-Brian
I’m not going to cheat here like Brian and put Paul George, who is a SMALL FORWARD in the GUARD spot, so I’m going with Afflalo. He doesn’t get talked about much because he plays for the lowly Magic, but he is in the conversation of being one of the best shooting guards in the league. -Joe
Forward
Carmelo Anthony 26.1 ppg 3.1 apg 9 rpg 24 PER -Brian
Paul George 23.3 ppg 3.4 apg 6.2 rpg 23 PER-Joe
Another shoo in. While the Knickerbockers might not be doing well Melo is playing well in his contract year, averaging 41% from deep. His 9 rebounds per bout is a career high, but this might also be due to Tyson Chandler’s absence.-Brian
While Carmelo may have slightly better offensive numbers this year, Paul George is a much better defender (probably the second best wing defender in the league behind LeBron). The thing that really puts Paul George over the top, though, is that he is the best player on a championship contending team, which has to account for something. -Joe
Forward: LeBron James 26.2 ppg 6.5 apg 6.7 rpg 29 PER-Brian&Joe
Its LeBron.-Brian
…. -Joe
Forward/Center
Al Jefferson 18 ppg 10 rpg PER 21-Brian
Roy Hibbert 12.1 ppg 7.8 rpg, PER 17-Joe
This was a tough choice for me. I could have slid George, Melo, and LeBron down a slot and inserted Kyrie, but instead I decided to put in the Charlotte Bobcats’ prized possession from this summer. But Brian, didn’t you just keep Kyrie out of the starting lineup because of his defense, then why put in Al Jefferson? Yes, yes I did. But with the year Big Al is having and more accurately the lack of other relevant big men, I decided to put him in my starting lineup. I was not a fan of having no true center on a roster and that’s where Jefferson fits in as a true back to the basket center.
Side note: There is no gif of Jefferson worth posting, nor will there ever be. So here is another one of LeBron.-Brian
Al Jefferson? Really? Roy Hibbert’s numbers may not look too flashy, but he is far and away the best rim protector in the game right now. Indiana’s defense ranks tops in the league and that is mostly due to Paul George’s defense on the perimeter and Hibbert’s defense in the paint. -Joe
Reserves:
- Kyrie Irving 21.7 ppg 6.1 apg 20 PER
- Arron Afflalo 20.2 ppg 3.8 apg 18 PER
- DeMar DeRozan 21.8 ppg 4.6 rpg 18 PER
- Dwayne Wade 18.9 ppg 4.8 rpg 4.7 apg 22 PER
- Paul Millsap 17.7 ppg 8.3 rpg 20 PER
- Joakim Noah 11.7 ppg 11.4 rpg 19 PER
- Kyle Lowry 16.1 ppg 7.3 apg 4.1 rpg 20 PER- Brian Burton
Just some notes on these reserve players.
• Afflalo and DeRozan have nearly identical numbers so it might be a bit redundant on the same roster; however, both are nonetheless having career years.
• Wade has been good… when he has played. This has been sparingly and for good reason. The East was poor enough where he was able to land a spot.
• It is a pity that Al Horford went down because Millsap is having a great year. Statically this might only be showing because of the absence of Horford, but the two do make a dynamic pairing.
• Noah has similar numbers to Drummond, but Noah just brings the consistent defensive presence that Drummond has yet to be able to provide. (He is only 20 though)-Brian
- Dwyane Wade 18.9 ppg, 4.7 aps, 4.8 rpg 22 PER
- Kyrie Irving 21.7 ppg 6.1 apg 20 PER
- DeMar DeRozan 21.8 ppg 4.6 rpg 18 PER
- Carmelo Anthony 26.1 ppg 3.1 apg 9 rpg 24 PER
- Joakim Noah 11.7 ppg 11.4 rpg 19 PER
- Paul Millsap 17.7 ppg 8.3 rpg 20 PER
- Andre Drummond 12.6 ppg 12.6 rgp 21 PER -Joe Lauzon
Just some notes on these reserve players.
- Dwyane Wade may have been hurt a good portion of the year, but he is still the best all around shooting guard in the Eastern Conference. The only reason he’s not starting is because of injuries.
- DeMar DeRozan is not the most efficient player in the world, but he is still putting up very good numbers.
- Andre Drummond and Joakim Noah are two of the premier rebounders in the NBA.
- Paul Millsap is mainly on the roster due to Al Horford’s injury this season. Had it not been for his injury, Horford would have probably been in the starting lineup instead of Hibbert. -Joe
Western Conference
Starters
Guard
Steph Curry 23.5 ppg 9.2 apg 4.6 rpg 22 PER-Brian&Joe
Curry has separated himself from the pack of point guards averaging 18ppg and 6apg(see Parker, Lawson, Conley). He is one of the most entertaining players to watch in the game with his constant heat checks, but unlike Jennings, he is hot. No other competitor here while Westbrook is injured.-Brian
This is a no brainer. There is no better shooter in the NBA right now, and there may never have been a better shooter in the history of the NBA (sorry Ray Allen and Reggie Miller). There is no other player in the league that can take an off-the-dribble, step back three pointer and have it be an efficient shot. -Joe
Ok. One more.
Guard
James Harden 24.3 ppg 5.4 apg 21 PER-Brian&Joe
It really is unfortunate that fans can show so much loyalty. Harden definitely deserves this spot and has cemented himself as a star in the NBA. Kobe even came out and mentioned his unhappiness and disinterest in attending the All-Star game. But if the fans want to see Harden be on the pine, here you are. Are you not entertained??-Brian
This is another no-brainer. While his defense leaves something to be desired, his offensive output more than makes up for it. Harden is the best shooting guard in the league right now and deserves to start this game. -Joe
Forward
Kevin Durant 31.0 ppg 7.7 rpg 5.1 apg 31 PER-Brian&Joe
It might be my slight over appreciation for KD, but as of now he is playing like the best player in basketball. Yes, I might admit that LeBron is actually the best player, but KD is playing like the MVP of this season. 9 straight games with 30+? Yup he did that. Of all things it’s his free throw percentage that is inhibiting him from currently averaging 50/40/90.-Brian
Here’s how the league’s best players rank right now. LeBron is still the best by a wide margin, then there’s Durant, then a huge gap in talent, then there’s everyone else. And while I think that LeBron will turn on the jets as the season comes to a close and win the MVP, as of right now the award belongs to the Slim Reaper. He is absolutely carrying his team with Westbrook out. There is no hotter player in the NBA right now. -Joe
Forward
Kevin Love 25.0 ppg 13.0 rpg 27 PER-Brian
LaMarcus Aldridge 24.7 ppg 11.6 rpg 24 PER-Joe
A healthy year for Kevin Love? Knock on wood. So far so good. He is a double-double machine that has consistently put up great numbers and is the sole reason my fantasy team is not considered irrelevant. Blake is averaging similar numbers but Love’s PER is significantly higher. Additionally I value his range to Griffin’s dunking.-Brian
LaMarcus Aldridge may very well be the best power forward in the NBA right now. He has great range, and is a very good defender. He gets the nod over Kevin Love because Aldridge is far better on the defensive end of the floor, and he is the best player on one of the premier teams in the NBA, while Kevin Love’s team is in the 11th spot in the West right now. -Joe
Forward/Center
Boogie Cousins 22.6 ppg 11.6 rpg 27 PER
What? No Blake? No Dwight? Not only is Boogie a good sport, but he also happens to be the best center in basketball right now. Like it or not Boogie is dominating players down low. He has a phenomenal PER. He is averaging more points than Blake, Aldridge and Dwight and only slightly less boards than Dwight. He has a better PER than all 3 and is doing so on the least talented team of the four. Like that horrible show on ESPN, numbers never lie.-Brian
BOOGIE!!! As of right now there is not a better true center in the NBA on the offensive side of the floor. He is an absolute beast in the paint, and he is actually a pretty adept passer, averaging 3 assists per game. He also is my favorite personality in the league. He doesn’t give a shit about what anyone thinks about him, and he hates nearly everyone he plays against. That’s something the NBA needs more of. -Joe
Reserves:
• Dwight Howard 18.3 ppg 12.6 rpg 22PER
• Blake Griffin 22.6 ppg 10.0 rpg 22 PER
• Anthony Davis 20.2 ppg 10.3 rpg 3.0 bpg 27 PER
• Lamarcus Aldridge 24.2 ppg 11.6 rpg 23 PER
• Goran Dragic 19.4 ppg 5.9 apg 3.3 rpg 21 PER
• Isaiah Thomas 19.5 ppg 6.3 apg 22 PER
• Dirk Nowitzki 21.1 ppg 5.9 rpg 23 PER-Brian
Just some more notes on the reserves, this one inspiring a little bit more thought:
• Davis is on the bench while having better numbers than Boogie. Davis has the rim protection qualities that would be ideal for a defender. I just don’t think that he has the size to really be a true 5 on any team… yet. He is having an insane season, but this goes back to the Eastern Conference where I just felt uncomfortable putting LeBron as my center.
• Aldridge is being mentioned as a candidate for MVP. I think Davis and Boogie are having better seasons personally. No doubt he too is having an amazing year, but I think he is getting some more of the spotlight due to his team’s success.
• Dragic and Isaiah? Over Conley, Lillard, and Parker? No I am not just trying to irk anyone. I went to confession for father I have sinned for not putting Lillard or Parker on the All Star team. Dragic is one of the main reasons the Suns are defying the odds (and logic) and not tanking. Both Isaiah and Dragic are averaging very similar numbers to Conely (18/6), Parker (18/6), and Lillard (21/6). Dragic and Isaiah have a better PER than all three players, but what is impressive are the teams that they are playing on. Both players are creating similar stats on teams that are significantly worse than the Spurs, Grizz, and Blazers from a talent standpoint.
• Dirk is a constant in the NBA as he continues to put up good numbers with a brainwashed Monta Ellis (he’s passing?!)- Brian
• Blake Griffin 22.6 ppg 10.0 rpg 22 PER
• Dwight Howard 18.3 ppg 12.6 rpg 22PER
• Dirk Nowitzki 21.1 ppg 5.9 rpg 23 PER-Brian
• Kevin Love 25.0 ppg 13.0 rpg 27 PER
• Damian Lillard 21.0ppg 5.7 apg 20 PER
• Ty Lawson 17.8 ppg 8.9 apg 20 PER
• Tony Parker 18.4 ppg 6.3 apg 20 PER-Joe
Just some thoughts on the reserves
- I left Anthony Davis off of my roster because he has missed too many games due to injury, and the pool for players in the West is too deep
- Griffin gets a lot of hate from people that say, “all he does is dunk,” but that is just not true at all. He has actually developed into a really nice power forward that can score in a variety of ways, but he’s just not having as good a year as Aldridge. He’s my first player off of the bench for this game.
- Love and Dirk are both having very good years, but they get penalized for their deficiencies on the defensive end of the floor
- Dwight Howard is not as dominant as he used to be, but he is still a top tier center in the league
- Lillard and Parker made the team over Goran Dragic for a few reasons. Parker has been too good for too long to leave off of the team, and Lillard has had so many clutch moments this year while also putting up very good numbers to leave him off. Dragic is probably the best guard to not make the team.
- Lawson is one of the best distributors in the NBA, so he made the team. -Joe
All statistics gotten from ESPN unless otherwise noted.
All-Star voting statistics from SI.
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