It's all pretty straight forward here, minus the center spot. This is always a strange spot for the conference because 1 billion brainwashed Chinese Communists pledge blind obedience to Yao Ming. Again, this lineup is not what I think should happen, or even who is most deserving. it is the roster as I believe it will be announced tomorrow, on TNT. Here are your 2011 NBA All Star Western Conference Starters:
G - Chris Paul
G - Kobe Bryant
F - Kevin Durant
F - Carmelo Anthony
C - Pau Gasol (for Yao Ming)
Chris Paul. He might not be as flashy as Deron Williams, Steve Nash, or Russell Westbrook, but really is having a fantastic season. Sure his PPG are the lowest since his sophomore season, but his 3PT% and FT% are the highest of his career. His steals + assist numbers are Rondo-good or better and he is the face of the current 5-seed in a always competitive West. He has his team on a 9 game win streak, a 30-16 record, a better record than DWill's Utah Jazz, Denver, and Portland. He has also been an All-Star every year since 2008 and, unfortunately, starting voting is often determined by one's reputation. Chris Paul is that guy.
Kobe. Yes. Obviously. Best player in the conference. Game is in his city, his arena. Even if that wasn't the case, he will be the leading vote getter...by 100s of thousands of votes. He's the best player on the two-time defending champs and, even though I have money on a futures bet that the Spurs will win it all, I still think that Lakeshow should be the odds on favorite (in fact, the Heat are currently favored. Kinda bullshit.)
Durant. Last year's scoring leader was the consensus number 1 fantasy pick this year and many people's choice as a pre-season MVP. Even though he is leading the league in scoring this year, he probably won't be MVP, but he has catapulted himself into the national spotlight. it's a popular thing for ESPN to say 'nobody's overlooking the Thunder this year.' Well, neither are the fan voters. He is also a shit load of fun to follow on Facebook. And he and TWolves Forward Michael Beasley were great childhood friends. This is all about intangibles. Gets the fans voting.
Carmelo. Interesting story here. If he had been (or is) traded to the Eastern Conference before Thursday, his votes would have carried over with him to his new team and he would, in all likelyhood, NOT have been a starter. Averaging 24PPG and 8RPG. Is also one of the league's premiere players and scorers. Perfect All Star game player.
Pau Gasol. Staples Center. Two time world champion. When you look at the other center options in the West (Nene, Bynum, Marc Gasol, Okafor) no one is really All Star worthy. Although the NBA lists Pau Gasol as a forward on the All-Star ballot, he was selected as a reserve center by the head coaches last year...so I fully expect that to happen again.
Ok, no more sports for a while. More fun shit tomorrow I promise. I'm watching the Social Network and the soundtrack is go fucking loud I can't understand what anyone is saying. Pretty annoying shit. And the Mark Zuckerburg actoris a smug piece of shit.
Tomorrow: Western Conference Reserves
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