Starters have been announced for the 57th NBA All-Star Game on February 17th…..

Now it’s time to find out who made the fans’ vote as starters at this year’s midseason classic!

G Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat (4-time All Star)
Despite Miami’s Eastern Conference-worst 8-35 record, Wade has shown that he can still play at a high level despite missing time earlier this season while recovering from shoulder surgery. Wade is 5th in the NBA with 25.0 PPG & 11th with 6.8 APG. Always known as an aggresive slasher, Wade’s 10.0 free-throw attempts per game ranks 4th in the league.

G Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets (9-time All Star)
Kidd may have his best chance to become the 1st player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for the entire season.

Kidd already has 11 triple-doubles this season, which is 1 off his career-high. Kidd is currently averaging 11.3 PPG, 10.5 APG & 8.3 RPG.

F Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics (10-time All Star)
“The Big Ticket” is a big reason why Boston sports the NBA’s best record at 34-7. Garnett’s scoring is down, but he still has a chance to record a 20-10 campaign for the 10th consecutive season.

F LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (4-time All Star)

LeBron James may be having the best statisical season of his career, which could bring home his 1st ever MVP trophy.

James is averaging career-highs in rebounds (7.6 per game) & assists (7.4 per game), is shooting a career-best 48.2% from the field & leads the NBA with 29.6 PPG. Oh yea, and his Cavaliers are just a half-game behind Washington for the #4 seed, which would mean homecourt in the 1st round of the playoffs.

C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (2-time All Star)
Dwight Howard continues to improve his game while helping Orlando to the 3rd best record in the Eastern Conference.

Howard is averaging a career-high 22.0 PPG, 2.6 BPG & leads the NBA with 14.9 RPG.

G Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (9-time All Star)

Kobe Bryant’s scoring average has dipped in each of the last 3 seasons, but he continues to improve his all-around game with current averages of 28-6-5.

Bryant is 2nd in the NBA with 27.7 PPG, tied for 7th with 2.0 SPG, 4th with 9.3 FGM & 2nd with 20.8 FGA.

G Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets (8-time All Star)

In his 11th NBA season, Allen Iverson has proved that he still has a lot of game left. Iverson is 3rd in the NBA with 27.7 PPG, 6th with 2.1 SPG, 1st with 8.3 FTM & 3rd with 10.1 FTA.

F Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (11-time All Star)

Duncan has been one of the league’s best players since his rookie year in 1997 & is on pace to record a double-double for the 11th straight season. Duncan ranks 6th in the NBA with 11.2 RPG.

F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets (2nd-time All Star)

Anthony currently ranks 4th in the NBA with 25.5 PPG & is averaging a career-high 7.0 RPG. Anthony has also improved his scoring in each of his 4 trips to the postseason.

C Yao Ming, Houston Rockets (5-time All Star)

Yao Ming continues to evolve as the game’s best shooting center. Ming is on pace to shoot over 50% from the field for the 5th straight season & has also hit 85% or higher of his free throws in each of the last 3 seasons.

Ming ranks 7th in the NBA with 10.7 RPG & is 6th with 2.3 BPG.

The reserves for both teams will be announced on January 31st.

Until then,

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.BMSRadio.com

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