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.
