With the all-star weekend soon approaching I figured it was time to show you who REALLY deserves a spot in the infamous game. As you probably have observed over the years, fan voting usually skews the starting line-ups quite badly. This year is no exception, with the likes of Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett in the starting fold one has to wonder when the league will take away the fan voting all together. Until then, I’ve compiled a list of the “should be” players in the all-star game by looking at stats and team records. Hope you enjoy, give me your feedback especially if you feel I snubbed someone.

East starters:

Rajon Rondo: Unfortunately for Rondo the fact that he’s the starting PG here is more of an attribute to the lack of talent at the point guard position in the Eastern conference than it is to his all-star worthiness. That being said, Rondo is putting up career highs in both points and assists (14.9 and 9.7) and is one of the main reasons the Celtics are still considered a contending team. Rondo is a good player at this point but if he wants to become a mainstay at the all-star game he needs to start taking control of games himself.

Dwayne Wade: After a slow start by Mr. Wade’s standards, the 2006 finals MVP has gotten back on track while leading a sub-par Heat team into the playoff picture. It’s more of a waiting game at this point for Wade, we all know what this guy’s capable of but until the Heat organization surrounds him with somewhat of a formidable line-up we won’t see Wade in the finals again anytime soon.

LeBron James: Roughly half way through the season LeBron is the clear favourite for MVP as his team has the best record, which includes two man-handlings of Kobe’s Lakers. Oh and did I mention he’s averaging 29.9ppg, 7.8apg and 7.2rpg? That alone will usually earn you a starting spot in the all-star game.

Chris Bosh: The Raptors woes early on had nothing to do with the play of Chris Bosh. He’s putting up career highs in both points and rebounds (23.9 and 11.1) and is the only reason why the Raptors are holding a playoff spot at all. A leader both vocally and by example, Bosh is the best player the Raptors franchise has ever had and they will be lucky if they retain his services this offseason.

Dwight Howard: Overall I’m rather disappointed with Dwight Howard this season. He’s showed absolutely zero improvement on the offensive end after last year’s lacklustre finals appearance and his team is underachieving. Nonetheless he is still averaging 17.4ppg and 13.3rpg, but both are the lowest totals he’s produced in three years.

East Reserves (No particular order):

David Lee: Yes his Knicks are 18-26 but it’s hard to imagine where they would be without him. David Lee has drawn a lot of attention as the league’s potential most improved player, and deservingly so. Lee has expanded his offensive repertoire, going from a below average shooter to a well above average shooter. His career high in scoring average (19.4ppg) is largely attributed to this newfound ability to connect from long range and as the season continues things should only get better for the upcoming FA.

Derrick Rose: A slow start had some worried and the coach on the hot seat. Nevertheless, Rose has managed to turn his game around while putting the team on his shoulders as he righted the ship. The second year point guard continues to impress as he’s averaging just under 20ppg while shooting an impressive 48% from inside the three. A natural born leader, Rose should have no problem guiding the Bulls into the playoffs this spring.

Antawn Jamison: Ok you’re probably wondering what happened to the whole team record thing, wasn’t that supposed to be a factor? Well, the Wizards measly 14 wins so far doesn’t bode well for Jamison but there is only so much you can expect one man to do. I’m sure you’re aware of all the Wizards drama this season so I won’t get into it, but take in mind Jamison has single handily kept this franchise from hitting absolute chaos. He’s not just a character guy and a vocal leader but at the age of 33 he’s averaging nearly a double-double while shooting a better percentage from the floor then he has in six years. Well deserved spot.

Joe Johnson: Joe Johnson has been a model of consistency for years and this year is no exception. With the Hawks only half a game out of second spot in the East, Johnson is definitely deserving of an all-star spot. His only career high is coming in rebounds but he continues to shoot the ball at a high percentage and lead his team to victories.

Josh Smith: The other Hawk I put on the list is Josh Smith, and I don’t think anyone would disagree. He is another candidate for the NBA’s most improved player award, although I’m not sure that would be the best way to describes Smith’s season as he isn’t putting up career highs in any category. Josh Smith ultimately earns an all-star spot due to his maturity (has shot next to no threes this season) and the Hawks great success.

Andrew Bogut: Andrew Bogut is well deserving of an all-star spot in my opinion, the fifth year man is averaging a career high 16ppg while playing in more games than he did all last year. His back problems seemed to have disappeared and if that continues to be the case then Milwaukee might have a franchise centre on their hands for years to come.

Paul Pierce: Paul Pierce is averaging his lowest point total since his rookie year, however he is still putting up impressive numbers and is one of if not the biggest factor in the ultimate success of the Celtics. In the five game stretch where Peirce was out with an injury the Celtics managed to drop three straight games, they only have thirteen losses on the year...

Western Conference "Should Be All-Star's

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