Voting for the 2012 NBA All-Star teams began on January 4, 2012. Here are my picks for the Western Conference starters.
Center - Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers
Once again, this is the toughest decision on the ballot... due to a general lack of deserving candidates. Last year, I voted for Portland's Marcus Camby over a weak field, as a sort of "Lifetime Achievement Award." This year, I'll (grudgingly) select Andrew Bynum... at least he's a fine player - when he isn't hurt and/or suspended.
Of course, the ballot-makers could have made this a lot easier by listing Pau Gasol or Tim Duncan or LaMarcus Aldridge as a center...
At least we don't have to worry about Yao Ming winning this spot again. Yao was selected as the West's starting center last season - despite the fact that he had played in only five games, and none the year before that. Yao formally retired over the summer, which will probably cut his overall vote total considerably.
Actually, Yao might be a better choice than most of these guys. Maybe I'll write him in.
Forward - Dirk Nowitzki
Getty Images - Mike Ehrmann
The Western Conference forward ballot probably has the deepest pool of deserving candidates. Kevin Durant is a gimme... but who else? You could make a very strong case for Pau Gasol, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Zach Randolph or LaMarcus Aldridge... but after last season's run to the championship, I'm inclined to honor Mr. Nowitzki in this spot.
Forward - Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Durant is the only player not named "LeBron" with a legit claim to the "Best Player in the World" honorific. And he won't reach his 24th birthday until late September.
Shooting Guard - Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Honestly, I'm torn here. Selecting Kobe as a Western Conference guard is like checking Derek Jeter's name for American League All-Star shortstop... it's habit. It's comforting. But I'm wondering if it's still the right decision. I'm torn between Kobe - who will almost certainly win regardless of what I do - and Russell Westbrook. I'll stick with Kobe for one more year... he's already been dumped once this season.
Guard: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
The only thing that would have taken Paul off my Western Conference ballot? A trade to the East.
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