We live in a democratic society. Voting is something Americans know a little bit about. Government leaders. "American Idol". Heck, even some school lunches. If passion or effectiveness takes part in the equation, we want to give our opinion on the issue.
In all but one of the country's major sports, we the people get to choose who lights up the court or field in a number of all-star extravaganzas. Every year, sport lovers voice their opinion, and every year, questions are raised about whether we know what we're doing.
It's not that each decision for a yearly "dream" team is inconceivable. Usually, there's just one (maybe two) decision(s) that makes others, especially in the media, wonder why people out of the know get to highlight a button on some electronic ballot. (The Rory Fitzpatrick campaign for the NHL All-Star Game didn't help our cause, even though it was extremely hilarious).
The 2007 NBA All-Star voting is no different. For the most part, the votes came out fine. Perennial favorites have not disappointed. And emerging stars Gilbert Arenas and Chris Bosh are getting their due. But do we actually do the best job of picking the best talent?
Of course we don't. This is all a popularity contest. Sometimes, though, the fans have to step back and put more deserving individuals into "our" games, or at least give them a little more dap. I picked a few hard-working players from each conference that might fit the mold. Some will still get to Vegas for the game, but shouldn't they have been higher up on the list?
Dirk Nowitzki, fourth among West forwards
It's hard to argue that Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan don't deserve starter status. Both are putting up their normal ridiculous numbers. However, the German's 25.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game weren't good enough to put him over the more explosive Carmelo Anthony and his 15-game "vacation." Anthony is always in the discussion, but I would think that Dallas' record would garner a little more respect.
Steve Nash, fourth among West guards
The Phoenix Suns point guard doesn't need the recognition. Like his former teammate in Dallas, he should make the exhibition. And it's tough to replace Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady in the hearts of fans. But two straight MVP awards, 11.7 assists a contest (tops in the league), and the role of cornerstone for the best team in the league should push the guy past A.I.
Carlos Boozer, 10th among West forwards
Utah has trailed off from their blazing start to the season. Then again, they are still leading the Northwest Division thanks to Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur, and a guy averaging about 22 points and 12 boards each time out (that'd be Boozer). Sure, the division's a tad weak, but you're putting those numbers behind Shane Battier and Pau Gasol? Come on.
Zach Randolph, outside the top 10 among West forwards
I've heard quite a bit of sports talk support for the Blazers veteran since moving to Portland. Turns out the chatter contains some good points. I know he's had a couple off-court problems. I get that he's stuck in the land of forgotten, literally (Oregon) and figuratively (on one of the worst franchises in the Association). To that I say, "Are you serious?" Close to 24 and 10 a game and he's not even voted in the top 10?! It's a bit sad.
Richard Hamilton, 10th among East guards
The former all-star is having another solid season in Detroit (23.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.7 apg). The Pistons aren't as dominant, though, as they have been recently. That could make him vanish in the eyes of some fans. In fact, it's made his stock sink enough among the voting public that he was lower than Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis. But wait, there's even more madness in New York itself.
Jamal Crawford, outside the top 10 among East guards
Speaking of the Knicks' backcourt, there's an even bigger crime against value. With all the big money, fist-swinging ballers inside Madison Square Garden, Crawford has actually shined on the court. He gets more boards than Starbury (3.2 to 2.8), more dimes than the Franchise (4.6 to 4.1), and pulls down 17.6 on the scoreboard. Yet, he's not even on the radar, while his more notorious running mates are.
Caron Butler, ninth among East forwards
The team from the District goes as Arenas goes. However, Butler has been a huge asset to the Wizards' success. Averages of 20.8 (points) and 8.0 (rebounds) still placed him behind more familiar names like Paul Pierce and Grant Hill. While Hill's comeback story continues to impress, he's not the player he used to be. And with Pierce being injured for a significant portion of the first half, this may have been the year to show a little more love to the former UConn star.
Dwight Howard, second among East centers
The most glaring oversight of this all-star electorate is easily Shaquille O'Neal. Over the last decade-plus, Diesel has proven his worth as the superstar center of the NBA. But who knew he could be downright magical? In the span of six games (through Jan. 27th), he said abracadabra and convinced voters to place him in the middle of all-star Sunday.
Isn't it funny how things come full circle? Enter a new stud in the paint from Orlando. He's got the numbers (17.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg), the record (27-13), and the right to take the torch from the former Magic attraction. His numbers should merit a spot on the bench, but it's a shame that fans are stuck in the past.
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