The Decision

LeBron James has formally announced "The Decision": that he will join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.

Well, it is not unexpected, really. We all knew that LeBron was going to leave Cleveland, and that he was going to choose either the Bulls, the Nets or the Heat. (Please, the Knicks and the Clippers never had any real chance.) And after Bosh had committed to join Wade, it was logical for him to go down to Florida and to create possibly one of the biggest "Big Three" in the history of NBA.

And I just hate that.

Makes no mistake, I know LBJ gave up not less than $30m of money for the chance to play with his two friends. And I do not think that there will be any major chemistry problem between the three, after they had played together in Team USA for a few years. I too do not think that James and Wade would argue over who is going to take the last shot. Well, not until they fail to score the champion after 3 years. And I genuinely believe that Pat Riley can somehow work things out and fill up all the now empty roster with serviceable role players.

But I still hate it.

1. I Hate the Reality Show

First and foremost. I hate the way James revealed The Decision by way of a national televised 1-hour reality show. This is ridiculous. Why on earth did he still need such publicity? That's just narcissistic. Such a prima donna. What didn't he just make a simple statement to the press, or at most hold a press conference and announce the decision just like the way MJ made his comeback announcement? Why did he need a freaking "show"? What so special? Has he ever considered the feeling of the Cavs supporters? That is so cruel to Cleveland fans. Quoted from the mailbags of ESPN's Sports Guy:

"Imagine you're an average dude in high school. Somehow, you begin dating the hottest girl in school. It goes good not great, but hey, she's beautiful and you aren't really going to complain. Senior year, she breaks up with you and begins dating the new quarterback that just transferred into the school. Exceptshe did this on stage at the homecoming coronation, embarrassing you in front of the whole school. This is what LeBron did to the city of Cleveland."

Read more.

The thing is, I think The Decision had been made long before. It was particularly obvious after Bosh's commitment to the Heat. These three players had planned to play together FOR YEARS and somehow they finally found one genius (Pat Riley) who managed to dump ALL players to create enough salary space to do that. LBJ had known that he's going to Miami. Despite that, somehow, LeBron and his buddies decided to play around with the world, inviting all the potential teams to make their pitches, sending all the mixed signals via unofficial sources while keeping their mouth shut officially. And then finished the whole bonanza with a "grand finale" on TV. That's real bad. That's so self-absorbed. The worst is, LeBron had the gut to say during the show that the decision was made that morning? Who on earth is going to believe that? It might make him feel better by saying so, but it did nothing but harm to all the sports followers around the world. I feel bad about all those teams that had made their pitches. I think this reality show has really alienated LeBron from not only the Cleveland fans, but also other NBA teams, other NBA fans who do not support the Heat.

And, why did you need a reality show to make The Decision? I know I had asked before, but tell me, why? Why?

2. I Hate His Cowardice

I hate this because it is a loser's play. It is a coward move.

When LeBron said it's all about winning, I believed him. That's because he needs it. He wants to be a global icon, and he needs one. Without a ring, he will never be a global icon the way Kobe or MJ or Tiger are. So I genuinely believe that the decision is about ring and not about money (which he has way way more than enough). Also, LeBron is a smart guy. After having tried for 7 years, he knew he could not win with this team (which I have reservation, we will revisit this later.) He thought he needed help. Give him credits, he had tried to stay in Cleveland. He had tried to lure Bosh to come to Cleveland and the Raptors had principally agreed to a sign-n-trade with the Cavaliers. The deal-breaker was that Bosh did not want to go to Ohio. He prefers Miami, which makes sense because of the weather and the state tax free of Miami. So with Bosh joining Wade, James can either (1) join Wade and Bosh in Miami to form The Big Three; (2) go to Chicago (Rose, Boozer, Noah); or (3) stay in Cleveland (Mo Williams, Jamison, Varejao). Eventually he chose the easiest way. James is so calculating. He knew that no matter he goes to Chicago or stays in Cleveland, he needs to fight hard to beat the Heat AND the Magic. Objectively, the best chance for him to win a championship is to join Wade and Bosh. He did not want to fight hard. He wants the safest way just to get a ring. In that sense, he made the right choice.

But that also is a shameless and coward choice. He simply shows that he has no balls. In fact, that's the main difference between him and the guys like Kobe and MJ. Balls. Guts. He is just not competitive enough. He thought he was competitive but he is not. He always goes for the easy way. He quits easily. To me, he has never lived up to "The Chosen One" label. If he is indeed THE Chosen One, he should have stayed in Cleveland and fight against all odds to beat out Wade and Bosh's Heat, Howard's Magic, the Celtics, Kobe's Lakers and grab the championship. That is what a Chosen One should do. A Chosen One should go through a lot of tests and obstacles, fight all the battles and play it all out and eventually win the ultimate prize. If he fails to do it after repeated tries, then he is simply proven that he is NOT the Chosen One. But at least he tried. Alternatively, he could still keep the "Chosen One" name tag somehow even if he goes to Chicago, because that would be another challenge for him. The Chosen One should win the championship on his own. No Chosen One would admit failure and choose the easy way to be PART of a championship. I tell you, if the Heat won the championship, it would be remembered that it is won by three players, not the Chosen One.

Further, don't blame your teammates or Cavs' GM. I've said it again and I will say it once more, the Celtics series was lost by LeBron James. He played horribly in game 5 and game 6 which led to the early exit of the team. Don't blame Mo Williams or Jamison for not stepping up. Think about it, other than Scottie Pippen and later Dennis Rodman, who did MJ have? BJ Armstrong? Will Purdue? Steve Kerr? Horace Grant? If you ask me, I think MJ can still win the championship with Mo William, Jamison and Varejao.

In a way the games were lost by coach Mike Brown too but LBJ should get most of the blame. And somehow, he chose to leave business unfinished and find a greener field in Miami with a more easy road. I mean I won't blame anyone doing that, just anyone not self-proclaimed The Chosen One.

After this decision, I am glad that we can settle all the arguments about how great LeBron is. He's far from MJ or Magic. He's not even Kobe or The Dream. At most he would be in the rank of Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson. KG quitted the Wolves too, but I respect KG more than LBJ because at least he did try for 10+ years. And BTW KG was traded, not signing as a free agent and hosting a reality show to announcement his decision.

3. I Hate The Creation Of The Evil Empire

I hate that The Decision has made the League less competitive. This is not just about LeBron, but the Heat. After getting James, Bosh and Wade, the Heat is officially the team to beat. The Heat has become the Evil Empire. I could hardly imagine any team other than the Lakers would post serious threat to the Heat. Forget the Celtics, they are one year older and one year slower. Forget the Magic, we have seen that D12 can be contained in the playoffs, and the so-called sharp shooters like Rashard Lewis could disappear in the playoffs. (Can you imagine JJ Redick was a more important player than Lewis in the Playoffs?) With proper addition of role players (3-pt specialists, bangers), who could stop the Heat in the East? It would be so boring in the East for years to come. As for the Lakers, yeah, they would remain competitive this year, but I doubt whether they can remain a real threat to the Heat 2 years down the road. After all, no teams has won 4 straight since the Celtics in the 60s, when there was just 8 teams in the league.

Had James gone to Chicago, we would have got one of the most competitive rivalries in the history of the game. LBJ & Rose vs. Wade & Bosh. But nah, that's not gonna happen, because James chickened out and played it safe.

Also, the Heat has surpassed Lakers and has become the public enemy in the league. Everybody wants to beat them. All the fans outside Miami hate them. They want them to lose. They have become the Yankees or Duke of the NBA. People would boo them hardly.

But well, at least I am happy that the guessing game is over. I am so sick of all the guessing and analysis and speculating all these months.

Yes, we are all witnesses of this mess.

2010 NBA Draft

Yo!

I was going through my blog in the past couple of weeks, and found them kinda boring. Seems like I had considered myself being knowledgeable and tried to pretend to be an analyst rather than just a joker hanging around, making the mails getting unreadable.

OK, I will not try to pretend to be Jeff Van Gundy or Mark Jackson. I will give up any in-depth analysis, because you can always read those stuffs elsewhere. I will try to be cool and be like Chuck, Kenny and Ernie.

Here are my findings from the 2010 NBA Draft, pick-by-pick:

1. Washington – John Wall, 6’4”, PG, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Derrick Rose

Grand prize of this draft. Super quick and talented, has good size and huge potential. A taller version of Derrick Rose. Like Rose, he doesn’t have his jumper yet. Can’t wait to see him play. Most imminent right now, is for the Wizards to send away Agent Zero ASAP so that he won’t have any negative influence on Wall. Why would they still want a cancer in the locker room?

2. Philadelphia – Evan Turner, 6’6”, SG, Ohio Sts., Jr.

Comparison: Brandon Roy

Again no surprise. NCAA player of the year; a versatile and smooth scorer who could play both guard positions; not super athletic but most NBA-ready. Philly now has 2 combo guards, Jrue Holiday and Turner. They will shift Igoudala to SF and bring Nocioni off the bench. Dalembert is gone, but Speights and Hawes will man the paint. Not bad a team. Oops, I forgot they also have a 15-million-dollar 6th man, Brand.

3. New Jersey – Derrick Favors, 6’10”, PF, Georgia Tech., Fr.

Comparison: Antonio McDyess/Al Horford

The Russian Billionaire playboy owner had to make a tough choice between Favors (athletic big man), Johnson (versatile SF) and Cousins (true C). Favors is a long and explosive, a terrific rebounder and defender. He runs the floor quick and is a dunking machine. Yup, huge upside, but unpolished. But frankly, does it really matter whom they draft? They just need to get LeBron. Period.

4. Minnesota – Wesley Johnson, 6’7”, SF, Syracuse, Jr.

Comparison: Shawn Marion

A long and athletic SF who is terrific in transition, and can play on the defensive end, but lacks the ability to create shots. The Shawn Marion comparison concerns me. The Matrix is not exactly a star, although he himself might not agree. Does that mean that Minny is drafting a supporting cast with the No. 4 pick? Anyway, last time I checked, Minny has 5 centers and were starting Ryan Gomes at SF. Johnson should fill the needs while they are till waiting for Ricky Rubio.

5. Sacramento – DeMarcus Cousins, 6’11”, C, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Al Jefferson

Cousins is the most interesting guy in this draft. He is a rare true center with huge frame. He is super-skilled, has soft touch, and is able to score down low. He rebounds well too, and will probably be the best player in this class in a couple years’ time. People say he’s a better and taller version of Al Jefferson. The problem? Mental issues. He’s loose cannon. Read more:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2010/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&page=cousins-100620

6. Golden States – Ekpe Udoh, 6’10”, PF, Baylor, Jr.

Comparison: Jason Thompson

OK, we have our first awkward name draftee! Full name? Ekpedeme Friday Udoh! From ESPN’s Chad Ford: “can block shots and defend”. What? That’s it? More: “unfinished product”. But he’s 23. If you are still an unfinished product at 23, you are probably already finished. Man, I wish the Warriors good luck. Geez, when was the last time the Warriors had luck? Yeah, back when Wilt Chamberlain was playing.

7. Detroit – Greg Monroe, 6’11”, PF, Georgetown, So.

Comparison: Brad Miller

A skilled left-handed big man with great size and finesse game. Not very athletic therefore an average rebounder and defender. A good passer too. Yup, exactly what Brad Miller is. Detroit need a big man desperately. They can’t hang on with Kwame for too long, although everybody loves Kwame, including MJ. And he Lakers.

8. LA Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu, 6’8”, SF, Wake Forest, So.

Comparison: Josh Smith

Scout report: “athletic and super long combo forward, runs the floor and plays D, excellent rebounder. Excel in run-and-gun. Big upside but extremely young.” Reports are that the Clippers have given him the promise to take him at No. 8. No comment from me. Just good luck to his ACL.

9. Utah – Gordon Hayward, 6’8”, SF, Butler, So.

Comparison: Mike Miller / Mike Dunleavy Jr.

The great hero for Butler’s championship run. An example of how a good tournament helped you going up the chart. As a SF, he has good size. A smart player who can create his own shots. Good team player but average athlete. A FUNDAMENTAL guy. Looks like a good fit for the Jazz. BTW, he absolutely looks like a nerd:

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/gordon-hayward

10. Indiana – Paul George, 6’7”, SF, Fresno St., So.

Comparison: Danny Granger

A strong athlete who can shoot, finish and defend. Huge upside potential but a long term prospect. Larry Bird picked the best talent available at #10. Yes, they are picking a guy who is similar to Danny Granger. It would be interesting to see 2 Grangers running down the floor at the same time.

11. New Orleans (traded to OKC) – Cole Aldrich, 6’11”, C, Kansas, Jr.

Comparison: Joel Przybilla

The Hornets traded this pick to OKC. Aldrich is a true center with terrific size and frame, a big time rebounder who plays physical defense. Good hands around the basket but really limited offense. I like these types of big men. They could be very valuable for teams with terrific perimeter scorers. Yes, someone like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. OKC’s GM has really done a good job accumulating talents and filling in all the missing pieces.

12. Memphis – Xavier Henry, 6’6”, SG, Kansas, Fr.

Comparison: Martell Webster

A swingman with good size and can really shoot. Not a great athlete and may struggle to create his own shots at pro level. Seems to me a straight complimentary player. The Grizz already have OJ Mayo so they don’t need Henry to start at SG. But the point is, is he the best choice at #12?

13. Toronto – Ed Davis, 6’9”, PF, UNC, So.

Comparison: Al Horford

A big man with nice frame and length, he has very high basketball IQ, and can be a great rebounder/shot blocker, though not very skilled. Davis was a top-5 recruit beginning this year but wrist injury has hurt his drafting position. Can be the steal of this draft. A nice consolation prize for the Raptors after they lose Chris Bosh.

14. Houston – Patrick Patterson, 6,8”, PF, Kentucky, Jr.

Comparison: Carl Landry

Third player from Kentucky. According to Chad Ford: “a meat-and-potatoes big man”. I am not sure it is good or not. And I am not sure the Carl Landry comparison is good or not either. Everybody loves Carl Landry. He hustles, works his ass off and plays all out. However, Carl Landry is also undersized with limited talent. Carl Landry is a steal at 31st pick (in 2007), but using a lottery pick to get a Carl Landry? I am not so sure. Plus, the Rockets just traded away their own Carl Landry last February.

That’s it for the lottery pick. I will be brief from now on.

15. Milwaukee – Larry Sanders, 6’10”, PF, VA Commonwealth, Jr.

Comparison: Theo Ratliff

A huge shot blocker with limited offense. Replacement of Dan Gadzuric as Bogut’s backup.

16. Minnesota (traded to POR) – Luke Babbitt, 6,9”, SF, Nevada. So.

Comparison: Keith Van Horn

The Wolves traded this pick to the Blazers for Martell Webster. He is a long-range shooter with good passing skills. Not sure he’s better than Webster or not.

17. Chicago – Kevin Seraphin, 6’9”, PF, France

Comparison: Jordan Hill

The Bulls traded this pick to Washington as part of the Kirk Hinrich deal. The only international player in the first round. A long, athletic big man but very raw. Likely to stay in Europe for a couple of years.

18. Oklahoma City (traded to LAC) – Eric Bledsoe, 6’1”, PG, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Keyon Dooling / Marcus Banks

Probably famous for being the teammate of John Wall. Fourth Wildcat in the draft. Extremely quick and athletic. Despite at 6'1”, he played at SG most of the time while Wall played PG at Kentucky. Looks like a career backup to me.

19. Boston – Avery Bradley, 6’3”, SG, Texas, Fr.

Comparison: Monta Ellis

Top high school player last year, but did not bode well in college. Undersized SG with quickness. A risky pick by Danny Ainge.

20. San Antonio – James Anderson, 6’6”, SG, Oklahoma St., Jr.

Comparison: Daequan Cook

Swingman with nice size and average athleticism. Good shooting skills but not a good defender. Not sure why Popovich picked him. I was expecting some interesting gamble by Pop.

21. Oklahoma City (traded to NOH) – Craig Brackins, 6’10”, PF, Iowa St., Jr.

Comparison: Jason Thompson

Part of the trade together with #11 pick. Goes higher than expected. Offensively talented and seems like that’s it.

22. Portland – Elliot Williams, 6’4”, SG, Memphis, So.

Comparison: Rodney Stuckey

Another athletic combo guard aka tweener aka undersized SG. I thought the Blazers had combo guard in Jerryd Bayless already. Why need another?

23. Minnesota (traded to WAS) – Trevor Booker, 6’7”, PF, Clemson, Sr.

Comparison: Brandon Bass

A PF who makes up his lack of size with hustles and strength. Hmm, well, I always admire such kind of player, but I probably wouldn’t want to have such a player for my first round draft…

24. Atlanta (traded to NJN) – Damion James, 6’7”, SF, Texas, Sr.

Comparison: Lou Mbah a Moute

Tough-minded SF that finished his college career being Big 12 Conference's all time leading rebounder. And it took him 4 years to do so. Can’t do much else.

25. Memphis (traded to DAL) – Dominique Jones, 6’4”, SG, S. Florida, Jr.

Comparison: Rodney Stuckey

Another “combo guard”, powerfully built and can score a lot but can’t shoot too well.

26. Oklahoma City (traded to NOH) – Quincy Pondexter, 6’7”, SF, Washington, Sr.

Comparison: Mickael Pietrus

Sent to the Hornets as part of the Cole Aldrich (#11 pick) deal. An athletic forward, can guard several positions and get rebounds.

27. New Jersey (traded to ATL) – Jordon Crawford, 6’4”, SG, Xavier, So.

Comparison: Flip Murray

Swapped with the Hawks for #24 pick. Probably most famous for his dunk on LeBron (see Youtube). Seems like a selfish and showcase player who only knows how to dunk.

28. Memphis – Greivis Vasquez, 6’6”, SG, Maryland, Sr.

Comparison: Goran Dragic / Zoran Planinic

Had a terrific college career with Maryland. I can smell some JJ Redick or Adam Morrison in him, aka successful college players who never manage to get to another level.

29. Orlando – Daniel Orton, 6’10”, C, Kentucky, Fr.

Comparison: Branden Hayward

The fifth Wildcat in the first round. A true center body and has all the physical attributes, but very raw and could have used one more year in college.

30. Washington (traded to MIN) – Lazar Hayward, 6’6”, SF, Marquette, Sr.

Comparison: Ryan Gomes

Despite 6’6”, he spent most of the time playing PF at Marquette. Enough said.

That is it for the first round. This is one of the most boring drafts. No suspense, no surprises and no one is making any gutsy moves. Moreover, the players other than the top five are hardly worth-mentioning. And you know what? The GM know. That's why teams are so keen on trading their picks. The biggest story of the summer remains the free agency bonanza.

My prediction is:

(1) Wall and Turner to compete for ROY, but Cousins will post up some big stats in Sac-to to make a strong push;

(2) Favors will be a bust (at least for this year), with or without LeBron;

(3) OKC will be another notch better with the addition of Aldrich; and

(4) Ed Davies will be the ultimate sleeper.

Let the free agency begin!

2010 NBA Playoffs First Round Prediction

I know it's late, but let's just a quick look at each series. I am working on the season review and the award prediction as well. Stay tuned.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Cleveland Cavalier vs. #8 Chicago Bulls

Congratulations to the Baby Bulls to make it this far. Talent-wise, they do have some: reigning ROY Derrick Rose, versatile Luol Deng, MIP candidate Joakim Noah. But that's it. Too bad they need to face the best team in the league with the best player in the league with one of the deepest rosters in the league. But frankly, what do you expect for a team which had been deliberately cutting down salary to get prepared for this summers' free agent market? Getting into the playoffs is already an accomplishment for the Bulls. Imagine the team with the core three, then add an marquee superstar (Joe Johnson, Wade, Bosh, Boozer), do you dig it?

Prediction: 4-0 Cavaliers

#2 Orlando Magic vs. #7 Charlotte Bobcats

Kudos to Larry Brown, who once again proved he is still one of the best coaches alive, after the not-so-pretty brief stint in New York. Yet, it is still hard to imagine Captain Jack & Co would be able to beat the Magic, one of the best defense teams in the league. No, I don't think this year's Magic is better than last year's mainly because of, ahem, Vince Carter, but the Bobcats are just poorly undersized. And their bench is just too weak. However, I think Larry Brown and Captain Jack is gutsy enough to put up some fight and get at least 2 wins.

Prediction: 4-2 Magic

#3 Boston Celtics vs. #6 Miami Heat

Just like the Bulls, the Heat is a team waiting for the summer, so can't imagine to have such determination to beat the Celtics. The Heat is just too easy to defend. A pure one-man team. In the regular season, some supporting casts, like Beasley or JO might surprise you. But for a 7-game series, the opponents just need to clamp down Wade. Period. Let the rest shoots, do whatever they can. Worse is that Wade tends to dominate the ball more during playoffs, which makes defending him even easier. And did I mention that Wade is also their lone defender on the other end? As for the Celtics, their chemistry that won the championship two years ago was long gone. But their Big Three plus Rondo are just too much for the Heat to handle

Prediction: 4-0 Celtics

#4 Atlanta Hawks vs. #5 Milwaukee Bucks

The Hawks is a year matured and a year better. Yes, the addition of Jamal Crawford is huge. One intangible factor is, this is their last year. There's no way the Hawks, given their low attendance and poor revenue, are going to afford re-signing Joe Johnson. This single factor makes me put them as the dark horse to go to the Conference Finals. Oops, sorry they have to meet the Cavs in the next round. The Bucks have done a good job this season to be the team of surprise, give credits to coach Scott Skiles. And I really love Branden Jennings, though he will not win the ROY. But without Bogut and Redd, there's no way they can beat the Hawks. This year's Hawks I mean.

Prediction: 4-0

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 LA Lakers vs. #8 Oklahoma City Thunder

Yes, this year's Lakers look complacent and disinterested at times. Yes, Kobe is hurt. Yes, Bynum is not 100%. And yes, OKC is the team of surprise in this side of the continent. But let's face it, there's no way Phil Jackson nor Kobe would allow a young team led by an inexperienced coach to beat them in the first round. Durant is super-talented and one day should challenge LBJ to be the best player in the league/world. Westbrook and Green are very promising talent too. But just not this year. Not yet.

Prediction: 4-1

#2 Dallas Mavericks vs. #7 San Antonio Spurs

Once again it's Mavs vs. Spurs. Only is that this time the Mavs have the upper hand. They are the deepest team in the West, and they stole Caron Butler, and to a not-so-lesser extent, Branden Haywood, from Washington. On the other hand, the Spurs has yet to integrate the newly acquired Richard Jefferson into their system (normally it takes players at least 2 years to blend in). However, the Spurs had a real good run to finish on a high note in the regular season. Eventually Popovich's strategy works: he strictly limited the PT of the Big Three during regular season and now at least Ginobili and Duncan is healthy. One big problem is that they would miss Tony Parker. A lot. Mr. Longoria has not been his usual self all season, and he certainly won't be in the playoffs. No matter how much I love the Spurs, I just can't see them beating the deeper and more talented Mavs. But for sure it would be one of the most exciting series in the first round.

Prediction: 4-3 Mavericks

#3 Phoenix Suns vs. #6 Portland Trailblazers

The Suns once look like their old self, scoring at will, but they also have a new thing: defense. To say they are a good defense team is an overstatement, but at least they do play SOME defense. Plus, their window is closing. This year, like the Hawks, would be their last chance. Amare is all but certain to leave town (Hello, Miami!) and Nash is getting a year older. Unlike Kidd, the way Nash plays and the way the Suns play, Nash can't be as effective as Kidd at the age of 37. And the Blazers without Roy stands no chance to beat the red hot Suns, no matter how many shots Marcus Camby blocks.

Prediction: 4-1 Suns

#4 Denver Nuggets vs. #5 Utah Jazz

I have never liked the Nuggets. I hate thugs. I hate Martin, and I hate 'Melo, though I must confess that he is one of the most unstoppable scorers in the league. But without Coach Karl, they are an entirely different team. The Jazz and Jerry Sloan are no normal pedestrians. Like the Hawks and the Suns, they too know that this is the final year to have Boozer in Salt Lake City. His back up Paul Millsap is anytime ready to start, but he just ain't no Boozer. I like D-Will, much more than the overrated Chauncey “Big Shot” Billups. When was the last time he made a big shot anyway? Probably in 2004. Yeah, I can smell upset here, though arguably a #5 beating #4 could hardly classify as “upset”.

Prediction: 4-3 Jazz

2010 All-Star roster

It is kinda late, but let's take a look at the roster voted by fans and selected by the coach:

EAST

Starters:
G Allen Iverson, PHI (filled in by Joe Johnson, ATL, replaced by David Lee, NYK)
G Dwyane Wade, MIA
F LeBron James, CLE
F Kevin Garnett, BOS
C Dwight Howard, ORL

Reserves:
G Joe Johnson, ATL
G Derrick Rose, CHI
G Rajon Rondo, BOS
F Paul Pierce, BOS
F Gerald Wallace, CHA
F Chris Bosh, TOR
C Al Horford, ATL

Substitute:
F David Lee, NYK (replacing Allen Iverson)

First, there is no way on earth that Allen Iverson should be in, so I am glad that he did not participate, for whatever reason. Let's face it folks, he's no longer an all-star. Secondly, like AI, KG was also voted due to reputation. He seems like to have lost a considerable athleticism and agility after the knee injury, most notably he didn't jump as high as before. And he's not as quick in defense rotation (i.e. slow lateral movement). Luckily, KG's still an all-star, but I think Chris Bosh deserves the starting spot more.

As for the reserves, welcome Derrick Rose to play his first ASG. He deserves it. JJ, PP, Bosh's return is no-brainer. Rondo? borderline case, although he's better than AI. The Bocats deserve a spot and Gerald Wallace is a logical choice, especially he no longer falls in love with jumpers. But Horford? C'mon. I know he's good, and the Hawks play well. But All-Star spot? Over David Lee and Andrew Bogut at C? Please. I would have put Josh Smith in and move Bosh to C.

Again, I respect David Lee as the sub-in, but I genuinely believe Josh Smith deserves the spot more.


WEST

Starters:
G Steve Nash, PHO
G Kobe Bryant, LAL (filled in by Dirk Nowitzki, DAL, replaced by Jason Kidd, DAL)
F Carmelo Anthony, DEN
F Tim Duncan, SAS
C Amare Stoudemire, PHO

Reserves:
G Deron Williams, UTA
G Chris Paul, NOH (replaced by Chauncey Billups, DEN)
G Brandon Roy, POR (replaced by Chris Kaman, LAC)
F Dirk Nowitzki, DAL
F Kevin Durant, OKC
F Zach Randolph, MEM
C Pau Gasol, LAL

Substitutes:
G Chauncey Billups, DEN (replacing Chris Paul)
G Jason Kidd, DAL (replacing Kobe Bryant)
C Chris Kaman, LAC (replacing Brandon Roy)

I am perfectly fine with the starting lineup. But I'm biased. I know Dirk deserves the starting spot more than Duncan. But I am a Spurs fan, so bear with me. I'm so glad that 'Melo made it to the starting lineup. He really deserves it this season, after seeing him go unstoppable so many times this year.

As for the reserves, CP3, Roy, Dirk and Gasol are no-brainers. And congratulations to Deron Williams for his first All-Star appearance. It is long due. The fact that the Jazz played so well this season is also worth mentioning. Durant, is another pleasant surprise this season. He is getting better and better and is arguable one of the top 10 players this season. And did I mention that OKC is playing damn good this season? As for Randolph, well, I know he has terrific stats, and I know the Grizz are entertaining. But I cannot forgive what he had done is the past few years after signing a fatty fat contract, namely being lazy and disinterested. And I will never allow a player who has absolutely zero interest in playing D to be an All-Star. Instead of Z-Bo, I will opt for Billups, to represent the Nuggets, the second best team in the West.

Now for the subs, Billups is no-brainer. The choice of J-Kidd is understandable due to "home court advantage", and I'm biased. Kaman is an interesting choice. I may give the nod to Carlos Boozer, though I have been a Boozer-hater all along. I think the Jazz deserves one more spot than the Clippers. But as an injury-sub, Kaman is an acceptable choice. Aaron Brooks of the Rockets is worth mentioning.

All in all, had there not been so many injuries, this year's picks are just fine, maybe except a couple in the West, and Iverson and Horford in the East. The injuries of Kobe, CP3 and Roy have really screwed the otherwise acceptable Western All-Star roster.



The Game

As for the game itself, well, it was boring. I didn't see many flashy moves, significantly fewer alley-oops and complicated dunks, with the exception of the throw-the-ball-to-the-board-and-get-it-back-himself-and-dunk aka "T-mac Dunk" by Wade. It was a close game, but not necessarily an exciting game. The worst probably is that the winner was determined by free throws. Argh. I mean, how did you compare with the unforgettable 1992 ASG aka The Magic All Star Game, which the league celebrated during half time this year? Sigh.