How did the fans do with this year’s NBA All-Star voting?

Well, in reality they should receive about a “C” for their efforts.

But we’ve come to realize that NBA All-Star balloting has more to do with popularity than performance. And although that has always been the case, about seven of the ten selections are actual no-brainers, two are somewhat debatable, and the remaining one was missed by the voters.

Let’s start with the East:

Guards: Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade

There was no way that these selections could go to anyone else in the conference. Rose has given his usual one-man effort for Chicago. However, while there may be a sense that Wade’s presence has been missing (due to his injuries) for the Heat, ther’s no denying that he’s – at worst – the second-best guard in the East (if you happen to think that Rose is better, which is still a tough sell for me).

My Backups: Lou Williams, Deron Williams and Brandon Jennings

I know, I know…you’re thinking “no Joe Johnson!” Well, quite frankly, is about time that the JJ run comes to an end. He’s done nothing more spectacular than any of the three on my list. He hasn’t been an invaluable team player and crunch-time performer to the level that Lou Williams has; he hasn’t elevated a putrid offensive unit to one of respectability like D-Will, nor has he been the lifeline to a team struck with seemingly insurmountable injuries like Jennings has done.

Williams deserves his first All-Star nod as a member of the Eastern Conference.

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James

Regrettably, the fans only got half of this one right. LeBron James has been his normal, stat-stuffing self. But it is the guy who has been his running mate for the entire first half of this season who should have gotten the nod with him. Chris Bosh has done nothing but prove that he was – and still is – a superstar talent who does what is required of him on a nightly basis. Dwyane Wade’s absence wasn’t felt at all by Miami, thanks to his stellar play. Anthony’s play, to say the least, has been very disappointing – to the point that he’s questioned his role, which is a concept that superstars traditionally don’t have to consider.

My Backups: Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce and Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala is this year’s recipient of the ‘deserving player on a surprising team’ All-Star Award. He’s made big plays on offense and defense, and not just the one’s that we are accustomed to seeing on the highlight reels. Paul Pierce has contributed what we expect from him – 18, 5.5 and 5.5 – great all-around numbers for a Boston team that remains in the thick of the playoff picture.

Center: Dwight Howard

Sorry, but there are no other choices for this spot. End of story. But who will fill this spot if Howard heads out west after this season?

My Backup: Roy Hibbert

Hibbert has stepped up his game this year, providing Indiana with more of what is needed: traditional back-to-the-basket post offense. His long arms are hard to avoid on the defensive end of the floor, and have been a clear hindrance to the Pacers’ opponents. The only other viable candidate could be the Knicks’ Tyson Chandler, but his lack of offensive skill should be considered offensive for an All-Star game.

Howard and Hibbert should man the middle for the East.

Now, over to the left coast:

Guards: Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant

It really doesn’t get any better than this – a classic example of a premiere point guard and shooting guard. Paul and Bryant are top notch candidates for this year’s MVP award, and both are fully deserving of their spots in the starting lineup.

My Backups: Russell Westbrook, Steve Nash and Tony Parker

Looking around the Western Conference, there’s not a lot of real options for these spots. Those on the outside include Kyle Lowry (whose scoring prowess is a bit too sporadic), Kevin Martin (who does nothing other than score the ball), and James Harden (not quite at an All-Star level just yet). I’m confident with the consistency of the three point guards that I have chosen, each with the ability to beat the defense in entirely different, but effective, ways.

Forwards: Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin

Unlike the analysts who insist on over-evaluating everything, the selection of this duo is on point. There’s hardly any discussion over Kevin Durant, who has blossomed into a full-grown superstar at this point in his career. The conversation has centered around Griffin’s inclusion in the starting five, and whether Minnesota’s Kevin Love would have been the correct choice. I say “no.” Sure, Love is posting more points and rebounds than Griffin. Love is also a shooter with far superior range than Griffin. But Griffin is surrounded by a much better cast, and is only required to be a beast on the block and boards, which he is. If you really want to get into who’s better than who, put the two on a court with one basketball and see who wins. And, finally, and perhaps most importantly, ask yourself this: who would you rather see get the most minutes in an All-Star Game?

Kevin Love is getting plenty of love due to his statistical performance.

My Backups: Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Milsap or Al Jefferson

Love has clearly earned his first All-Star selection, and Aldridge may have had more of a beef for the starting nod than Love. But selecting my third reserve wasn’t so simple. There’s Rudy Gay, Pau Gasol, and more…however, I got stuck on two teammates because of their relative importance to Utah’s early season success. Milsap and Jefferson are opposites in nature, but complement each other extremely well. Milsap is comfortable sticking 15-footers, and putting the ball on the deck to get where he needs to. Jefferson is more of a brute force on offense, and stays down in the paint on defense. Their stats are comparable, making this a true toss-up.

Center: Andrew Bynum

Bynum’s selection looks good right now, especially after his 20-20 game against the Sixers. But Memphis’ Marc Gasol could have possibly been a better solution due to his more refined, sharpened offensive skill set. In particular, Gasol is a crafty passer and knows how to use his body unlike any other big man in the Association.

My Backup: Marc Gasol

Memphis’ inclusion in the playoff picture hinges on the Zach Randolph’s return and Gasol’s continued production.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author