The reserves for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game will be announced on Thursday.
With only seven spots available in each conference, it is inevitable that some players will not be chosen that are more than deserving of the honor.
With that in mind, here are who I think should be named to the All-Star teams.
Western Conference
G - Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is averaging career-high 22.3 points, 5.9 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals. Although Westbrook (and the Thunder) turns the ball over a lot, he has improved his shooting to 46 percent.
G – Kyle Lowry
Lowry is averaging career-highs in points (14.8), assists (7.9), rebounds (5.8) and steals (2.0). Among guards in the Western Conference, Lowry is tied for first in rebounds, fourth in assists and tied for fourth in steals. Lowry has been the most consistent player on a playoff-contending Rockets team and should make his first All-Star team.
G – Monta Ellis
Ellis is averaging 22.6 points, 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals. Among Western Conference guards, Ellis ranks second in scoring and seventh in steals. With Manu Ginobili injured, Ellis is the best SG in the West not named Kobe Bryant. The Warriors should get their first All-Star in 15 years.
F – Kevin Love
Love ranks fourth in the NBA in scoring (25.0) and second in rebounding (13.7), Love has 22 double-doubles in 24 games. More importantly, Love and the Timberwolves are in the thick of the playoff race in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
F – Danilo Gallinari
Gallinari will be out a month after spraining his left ankle in Monday’s game against the Houston Rockets, but that shouldn’t stop him from being named to the All-Star team. Gallinari was averaging 17.0 points on 44.7 percent shooting on a very solid Nuggets team.
C – Marc Gasol
Gasol plays 38 minutes per game and is averaging 15.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.1 steals, all career-highs. Gasol has stepped up in the place of an injured Zach Randolph. If there is a Gasol on the All-Star team, it should be Marc.
Other candidates: Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, James Harden, Al Jefferson, Ty Lawson, Paul Millsap, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Ricky Rubio
Eastern Conference
G – Joe Johnson
Johnson is averaging 18.6 points and is as solid as they come. After Al Horford was injured, Johnson increased his scoring to 20.0 points and leading the Hawks to a 10-5 record.
G – Brandon Jennings
Jennings is averaging career-highs in points (18.9) and field goal percentage (42.6). Despite drama from Stephen Jackson and losing Andrew Bogut to injury, the Bucks are 11-14 and would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.
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