The NBA All-Star starters were recently announced.  Here’s my look at the voters’ picks… 

Western Conference Backcourt: 

Steve Nash- You can go one of three ways with this spot with legit arguments either way.  Steve Nash makes the Suns go.  Chris Paul is the anchor for the New Orleans Hornets, and should also be a solid MVP candidate.  Deron Williams toils in obscurity for the Jazz, but in a one-on-one battle I’d easily take him over either of the aforementioned point guards.  All three will probably end up on the roster, but my choice would have been Paul – by the slimmest of margins. 

Kobe Bryant – Can’t argue this one.  He’s the best 2-guard in the NBA. 

Western Conference Frontcourt: 

Phoenix teammates Amare Stoudamire and Steve Nash will be starting for the Western Conference.

Carmelo Anthony – Having a great season.  It’s almost like he had his mind set on making a definitive push to be a starter in the mid-season classic.  At this point, he deserves the spot ahead of Kevin Durant…but he’ll have to watch out next season. 

Tim Duncan- Duncan’s consistency has been just what the Spurs have needed.  With new additions to their rotation (DeJuan Blair, George Hill, Richard Jefferson) he has stabilized the team and has them on track for another successful season.  

Amare Stoudamire- He’s a great finisher of Steve Nash’s passes, but Id like to see what he could do without his all-world point guard for an extended period of time.  I think Nash has spoiled him and I’m not too sure that he could consistently get his man on his own.  I think Dirk Nowitzki should have replaced him in the starting lineup.  Dirk is the undisputed leader of the Mavericks, leading his team night after night. 

Eastern Conference Backcourt: 

Allen Iverson- This is the first of a couple of “lifetime achievement awards” on the East’s roster.  Iverson is averaging 15 points per night and he is not one of the key players on the Sixers this time around.  From a performance perspective, this spot should have gone to Rajon Rondo, Joe Johnson or Derrick Rose.  My choice would have been Joe Johnson.  

Dwayne Wade – The guy is dynamite for the Heat.  Flash is one of the coolest, best-dressed cats in the league.  Let’s see what he sports on All-Star Saturday. 

Eastern Conference Frontcourt: 

2007-2008 NBA Champion Kevin Garnett will once again be an All-Star starter.

LeBron James- Well, I guess we’ll all get over the fact that he’s scared to compete in the dunk contest (losing to Nate Robinson would not be good for his ego).  The NBA is going to have to come up with an event that includes the best players in the league to keep fans interested.  LeBron has got to do more than just be in the All-Star game for the weekend to be great for the NBA. 

Kevin Garnett- This is the second of the aforementioned “lifetime achievement” awards.  Garnett certainly doesn’t belong in this spot this year.  Chris Bosh belongs here.  He’s had an excellent season for the not-so-excellent Toronto Raptors.  David Lee is a candidate, but he’ll most likely be one of the Eastern Conference reserves. 

Dwight Howard – A beast on the interior…both offensively and defensively.  Howard has ascended to be viewed as the premier pivot man in the league.  The big man definitely has to develop a more versatile offensive array than just dunking…but his physical tools alone will keep him in this spot for years to come.