The All-Star balloting is in full swing, and since it’s pretty much a glorified popularity contest, there are always some odd choices made once the final results are in. Here’s a look at my current list of the top 12 players from each conference based on their statistical performance through the end of December. Special consideration is given to those players from winning teams.
EPG = ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) – ((Field Goals Att. – Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. – Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)) / (Games Played)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Starters:
Gilbert Arenas, PG, Washington Wizards (17-13)
25.2 epg, 30.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 4.3 rpg
A former second round pick, Arenas keeps posting monster numbers night after night for the Wizards.
Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat (13-17)
26.7 epg, 27.5 ppg, 7.8 apg, 4.4 rpg
Unlike LeBron, D-Wade hasn’t been able to carry the Heat to a winning record. Of course, other than Shaq, Miami’s roster is pretty devoid of talent.
LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers (18-12)
26.0 epg, 27.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 6.2 apg
King James hasn’t had much help this season, but the Cavs have the second best record in the East.
Dwight Howard, PF, Orlando Magic (19-14)
23.4 epg, 16.9 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 1.9 bpg
Howard is the star on a surprising Magic squad that finds itself in first place in the Southeast.
Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers (17-15)
23.6 epg, 19.3 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 3.1 bpg
O’Neal has shrugged off numerous injuries to post consistent double-doubles while leading the league in blocks.
Reserves:
Paul Pierce, SG, Boston Celtics (11-19)
24.1 epg, 26.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.3 apg
Before getting hurt, Pierce was on pace for another All-Star season, but will he return in time to play in Vegas?
Chris Bosh, PF/C, Toronto Raptors (13-18)
22.9 epg, 20.5 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Even though Bosh has missed some time with injury, the Raptors are actually contending in the lousy Atlantic. If he gets back to 100%, they just might win the division.
Caron Butler, SF, Washington Wizards (17-13)
22.8 epg, 20.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.6 apg
I wonder if the Lakers are regretting trading Butler away for Kwame Brown. Caron has become Arenas’ sidekick and is a potent second option for the Wizards.
Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets (13-18)
22.7 epg, 13.4 ppg, 9.2 apg, 8.2 rpg
Kidd just keeps chugging along, posting triple-doubles every other game. Hell, he’s almost averaging a triple-double.
Michael Redd, SG, Milwaukee Bucks (16-15)
21.5 epg, 27.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.2 apg
Some have argued that Redd has become the best shooting guard in the East, or is at least playing that way. That’s quite the rise for the former second round pick.
Chauncey Billups, PG, Detroit Pistons (18-11)
21.2 epg, 18.0 ppg, 8.1 apg, 3.3 rpg
Detroit’s best player is as consistent as they come. Billups is going to become a free agent this summer.
Joe Johnson, SG, Atlanta Hawks (9-20)
20.1 epg, 26.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.8 apg
This is a toss-up between JJ and Vince Carter. The Nets don’t deserve two All-Stars, so JJ gets the nod for keeping the Hawks competitive. But look out, Mo Williams is making a case with his recent play (19.9 ppg, 6.6 apg, 5.8 rpg in December).
Bubbling Under: Vince Carter (NJ), Emeka Okafor (CHA), Antawn Jamison (WAS), Andre Iguodala (PHI), Mo Williams (MIL), Rip Hamilton (DET)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Starters:
Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns (22-8)
25.3 epg, 20.6 ppg, 11.3 apg, 3.2 rpg
After a slow start, the Suns are rolling now and Nash is the guy that makes them go.
Kobe Bryant, SG, LA Lakers (20-11)
25.3 epg, 28.7 ppg, 5.2 apg, 5.1 rpg
Even though he’s recovering from a knee injury, Bryant is playing great ball for the upstart Lakers.
Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver Nuggets (16-13)
25.8 epg, 31.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.1 apg
Before the bitch-slap, Anthony was on his way to his best season. His field goal percentage (50.3%) is especially impressive.
Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks (25-7)
25.9 epg, 23.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.2 apg
Even though KG has better numbers, Dirk gets the nod because the Mavs have the league’s best record.
Yao Ming, C, Houston Rockets (19-12)
26.5 epg, 25.9 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.2 bpg
There’s no debate: Yao Ming is the best true center in the game.
Reserves:
Kevin Garnett, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves (14-15)
28.9 epg, 21.7 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 4.3 apg
Minnesota continues to hover around .500, which is bad news for those that want to see KG traded to a contender.
Carlos Boozer, PF, Utah Jazz (22-9)
25.8 epg, 21.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 53.9 FG%
Boozer’s steady play has helped the Jazz tally the league’s second best record. He’s a rebounding machine.
Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs (23-9)
24.5 epg, 20.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 56.1 FG%
Duncan is healthy and playing great ball, proving that he’s got a lot of gas left in the tank.
Shawn Marion, SF, Phoenix Suns (22-8)
24.2 epg, 19.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg
The Matrix may lose his spot to teammate Amare Stoudemire, but it’s Marion that deserves the nod.
Allen Iverson, PG, Denver Nuggets (16-13)
23.7 epg, 30.6 ppg, 7.7 apg, 2.4 spg
This is looking like a great trade by the Nuggets. Things will get interesting when ‘Melo returns.
Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (12-19)
21.6 epg, 18.4 ppg, 9.0 apg, 4.4 rpg
A case could be made for Baron Davis and even Deron Williams. But Paul’s got a rep now and he’s lived up to it despite a recent injury.
Josh Howard, SG, Dallas Mavericks (25-7)
20.0 epg, 19.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 43.3 3PT%
This team needs a shooting guard and Howard is next on the list due to his improved play and the Mavs’ terrific record.
Bubbling Under: Elton Brand (LAC), Zach Randolph (POR), Rashard Lewis (SEA), Marcus Camby (DEN), Baron Davis (GS), Amare Stoudemire (PHX)
