R.S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. One of his life-long pursuits has been writing and covering anything related to sports, specifically the NBA. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
Every now and then, players elevate their game to the all-star level. In the 2009-2010 season, there are several players stepping their game up to all-star level. This article focuses on players who could become all-stars for the first time this season.
Now, before the fun stuff, how about some ridiculousness? Houston Rocket guard Tracy McGrady has played 0 games this season, but is one of the leading vote-getters. He might help form a starting backcourt of Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. You know I think Kobe should be there. But, sorry, McGrady fans, he does not deserve it! Here are ten players in each conference who do deserve a second-look for the All-Star game in 2010:
Eastern Conference
10. Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks 13 ppg and 9 rpg
9. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks 16 ppg and 9 rpg
8. Louis Williams, Philadelphia 76ers 17.4 and 5.1 apg
7. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons 19 ppg and 4 rpg and 4 apg
6. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers 19 ppg and 6 rpg and 5 apg
5. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats 16 ppg and 12 rpg
• Leading rebounder in NBA
4. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks 21 ppg and 6 apg
• Leading scorer among rookies
3. David Lee, New York Knicks 18.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg, and 1.3 spg
2. Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks 15.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.39 bpg, 1.57 spg
• Leading shot blocker in NBA
1. Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets 19.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg, and 2.2 bpg
Western Conference
10. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers 16.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg
9. Jason Thompson, Sacramento Kings 14.9 ppg and 9.1 rpg
8. Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers 17.4 ppg and 9.1 rpg
7. Louis Scola, Houston Rockets 14.2 ppg and 9.5 rpg
6. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies 14.4 ppg and 9.8 rpg
5. Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves 16 ppg and 9 rpg
4. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings 20 ppg, 5 rpg and 5 apg
3. Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors 24.4 ppg and 2.4 spg
2. Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies 21.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.7 spg
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder 28.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 1.7 spg
Honorable Mention
Trevor Ariza (17 ppg and 5 rpg)
Russell Westbrook (16.8 ppg and 6 apg)
Kevin Love (13 ppg and 11 rpg, but only 6 games)
Kevin Martin (30+ ppg, but only 5 games)
Aaron Brooks (17 ppg)
Eric Gordon (17 ppg and 1.7 spg)
Certainly, another factor often considered is how much the team is winning. This would make it tough for players playing for Sacramento, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, or Golden State to make the All-Star team.
If only there were that many spots available. There should be few, though, as David West’s 15ppg and 6 rpg should not be enough to secure a return to the All-Star Game. Shaq is no longer in the West, so there are two potential spots out West. In the East, spots will be harder to come by with Shaq back and Iverson probably getting the popular fan vote in the East (like McGrady is in the West). Mo Williams might make it back, but one could certainly make a case for Jennings or Stuckey.
