Today the NBA announced the reserves for the All Star game and there are definitely some shady choices here…Lets get to it…
WEST
Centres – Pau Gasol (Lakers) Shaquille O’Neal (Suns) – No problems here – Gasol is the C/PF on the best team in the west and come on, he may not be in his prime but does anybody bring more laughs to the All Star festivities then the Big Aristotle.
Forwards – David West (Hornets) and Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) – Hmmm it gets a little sketchy here for me. I know last year David West has everyone saying ”Who the F… is this guy killing my team” and I know he is still putting up decent numbers but what about Al Jefferson? Sure he plays in ‘Sota and more people watch Slamball then WOLVES games but this guy is a MONSTER! This season he has had TWENTY, 12+ rebound games and 34, 20+ point games. I know the Mavs aren’t having the best season but Diggler is the man still. The big German still gets his buckets and lets be honest if he wasn’t in Dallas they would be MUCH worse
Guards – Tony Paker (Spurs), Chauncey Billups (Nuggets) and Brandon Roy (Trailblazers) – Let’s be honest, these guys are GOOD! Brandon Roy was the rookie of the year 2 years ago and he is only getting better and if he keeps pulling his tricks he might take the title of “Mr. Clutch” from his back court mate in this game Chauncey Billups. Billups isn’t too shabby himself, playoffs MVP anyone? This guys literally has ice water in his veins. Nobody in my mind right now (besides maybe Roy) is more clutch then this guy(Sorry Robert Horry but you have to play to keep your title). Last but not least Mr. Eva Longoria, this guy has game on and off the court. He may not be the best passing PG in the league but he may be one of the fastest and best finishers around the hoop for a PG. The only guy I can think of that is missing but I wouldn’t necessarily swap for these guys is Steve Nash. His flashy passes are always a fan favourite and plus he’s Canadian so you know he’s my boy.
East
Centre - Chris Bosh (Raptors) - You all know that the Raps are my team but I really don’t see how the Bosh is a centre? And to tell you the truth, I am not even sure he is the centre for the East squad but by looking at the names of the other reserves, I can’t imagine anyone else falling under “centre” on this squad. Bosh is a good player and I like him (see: don’t really or just read my Open Letter To Chris Bosh) Zydrunas Ilgaukas is hurt so he couldn’t play so I am fine with him here.
Forwards – Danny Granger (Pacers) and Rashard Lewis (Magic) – This one I am split on – Danny Granger is a straight up player and trust me, no one knows this more than a die hard Raptors fan. I like Joey Graham but how sick would our squad be with Granger in the starting line up? Sorry BC but you effed that one up. Now onto Rashard Lewis, he is on one of the best teams in the East (Magic) as shown by their 3 players on All Star team but is Lewis the second best forward left in the East? I know this is blasphemy coming from a man in my position (Torontonian) but what about Vince Carter? I know the Nets are not even in the playoff picture but this guy was MADE for the ASG. Hes got the showtime hops, the creativity and come on…the 2001 slam dunk contest, NUFF SAID!!! I would even make a case for Antawn Jamison if only for the fact that he is playing in Washington and I feel so bad for him.
Guards – Paul Pierce (Celtics), Devin Harris (Nets), Jameer Nelson (Magic) and Joe Johnson (Hawks) – 2 outta 4 ain’t bad - The first two guys deserve this for sure. Paul Pierce, the self proclaimed best player on the planet has too stacked a resume to even bicker about if he deserves this. Devin Harris was my choice for most improved player of the year and so far he is making me look like a genius. He is the co-leader of the Nets along with VC and he is FAST. I have seen him play in Toronto many times and I have NEVER seen a player faster than him while staying in control. Now onto Joe Johnson and Jameer Nelson. First I’ll talk about J.J, I know I know 21, 4 and 6 is hard to argue with and I was actually VERY surprised that those were his numbers because I haven’t heard anything from him since Bibby hit town. Is he a good player? OF COURSE! I just think there are some guys that may not have his numbers that are doing more for their team. Like Rajon Rondo, he may not be rocking a near trip dip every game but he really does make that team run. When he slashes he gets Ray Ray open for the 3, Garnett open for the easy dunk or Pierce open for any shot he takes. I just really think its easier to get your numbers on a so-so team (Atlanta) then it is to on the World Champion Celtics and Rondo actually rocked one of the sickest triple doubles of the season with 16, 17 and 13. Now Jameer Nelson really makes me scratch my head. How are you a point guard on a team with Dwight Howard and only averaging 5 assists? If you trained a seal to dribble a basketball he could get at LEAST 10 assists by just tossing the ball in the vicinity of that orange cylinder. I really think Mo Williams deserved this spot, he has truly transformed the Cavs this year. I know they have that other player, whats his name? But he seems to be the glue on this team and to be honest. I know he has basically the same numbers as Jameer but I just think as far as an All Star game goes, Mo Williams fits the style bit better.
It probably comes across as splitting hairs to all of you but…well….it really is. Who do you think was left off the list? Leave your team choices in the comment section or just let me know what you think of my choices?
Peace!
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