The NBA All-Star Game will be here soon. Here are Suite101's picks for the NBA’s Western Conference All-Star Game starters at each position. Remember, since this is not based on a fan vote, we select a player by position, meaning some very good power forwards get snubbed.
PG – Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns – Two-time defending NBA MVP Steve Nash is having another spectacular season. Nash scores 19 points per game, leads the NBA in assists and shoots nearly 50% from 3-point range. Plus, he’s led the Suns to a franchise-record 15 straight wins. Nash is clearly the Western Conference All-Star Game starter at point guard.
SG – Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – Anointing Kobe Bryant as the NBA All-Star Game starter at the two-guard spot may be the biggest no-brainer selection in the West. Bryant has put up two 50-point games and his 28 points per game average is 7 better than the second-best shooting guard, Kevin Martin. Kobe is a much more efficient shooter this season, and he is carrying the Lakers, who have thrived, even in the absence of injured LaMar Odom.
SF – Rashard Lewis, Seattle SuperSonics – Prior to the ugly brawl in Madison Square Garden, NBA MVP candidate Carmelo Anthony would have been the clear choice for NBA All-Star Game starter at small forward. Anthony, though, was suspended for 15 games, which must preclude him from All-Star Game selection, as far as we’re concerned. So, the next-best choice to start the All-Star Game is Rashard Lewis, the second-leading scorer among small forwards in the NBA’s Western Conference. Lewis not only gets 22 points per night, he also grabs 7 rebounds, gets 1.3 steals and shoots a respectable 40% from behind the arc.
PF – Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz – With all due respect to Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki, Utah's Carlos Boozer is our current choice to start in the NBA All-Star Game at power forward. Boozer his been remarkably consistent all year for the surprising Utah Jazz. Boozer, a serious NBA MVP candidate, averages 22 points, 12 rebounds and just under one steal per game.
C – Yao Ming, Houston Rockets – After Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming is the easiest selection for this Western Conference NBA All-Star Game team. Yao has absolutely exploded this season – his fifth, since coming to America from China. Yao is pouring in 27 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking 2.3 shots per game. His 52% shooting is tremendous, when you consider that the 7-6 center isn’t afraid to step out to 18 feet to take jumpers. Yao also shoots an eye-popping 86% from the free throw line. A legitimate NBA MVP candidate, Yao Ming is our clear choice to start at center for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game.
