I will show you how easy it is to select All-Stars for this exhibition game. Now, I do take into account stats and team success. But I also take into account injuries. If you’re not playing now, your out. If you’ve been hurt for most of the year, your out. Unless, you are a truly great player. To which when you came back from injury, you continued right where you left off. Since this is going to be in Dallas, I’m going to start with the Eastern Conference roster.
PPG – Points per game
RPG – Rebounds per game
APG – Assists per game

Starters
C Dwight Howard Orlando Magic – 17.3 PPG 13 RPG 1.5 APG
F Chris Bosh Toronto Raptors – 24.2 PPG 11.1 RPG 2.1 APG
F LeBron James Cleveland Cavs – 29.6 PPG 7.2 RPG 7.8 APG
G Joe Johnson Atlanta Hawks – 21.2 PPG 4.9 RPG 4.9 APG
G Dwayne Wade Miami Heat – 26.9 PPG 4.8 RPG 6 APG

Bench
G Rajon Rondo Boston Celtics – 14 PPG 4.1 RPG 9.6 APG
G Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls – 19.1 PPG 3.8 RPG 6 APG
F Paul Pierce Boston Celtics – 18.7 PPG 4.9 RPG 3.7 APG
F Gerald Wallace Charlotte Bobcats – 18.6 PPG 11.3 RPG 1.9 APG
F Antawan Jamison Washington Wizards – 22.2 PPG 8.7 RPG 1.2 APG
F Danny Granger Indiana Pacers – 23.5 PPG 5.7 RPG 2.4 APG
C Brook Lopez New Jersey Nets – 19 PPG 9.6 RPG 2.2 APG

Recap: I know it seems like I’m taking a page from MLB with this roster. I honestly am not. The Nets Brook Lopez is having a great season despite the entire teams poor performance. Danny Granger has been hurt, but since his return he has been back to form for the Pacers. He is the Kevin Durant of the Eastern Conference. No doubt about it. I have two Celtics because there isn’t anyone else at those positions that have better numbers than Pierce and Rondo. If you do find them, I’m all ears. Derrick Rose is a stud and will be here for quite a while. Jamison and Wallace can play both forward positions. Jamison is a true scorer in the sense that he always has a knack for getting the ball in the basket. Wallace is averaging over 11 rebounds playing the small forward for his team. I implore anybody to argue with the starters I have chosen for the East. Please, any of those voting for Iverson, tell why I’m wrong. Charles Barkley said this exhibition is not a popularity contest, but to congratulate those for a great season. I agree with Charles vehemently on this.

Western Conference

Starters
C Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs – 19.8 PPG 10.4 RPG 3.2 APG
F Amare Stoudemire Phoenix Suns – 21 PPG 8.7 RPG 1 APG
F Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder – 29.2 PPG 7.2 RPG 3 APG
G Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers – 28.3 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.5 APG
G Steve Nash Phoenix Suns – 18.6 PPG 3.1 RPG 11.2 APG

Bench
G Deron Williams Utah Jazz – 19.3 PPG 3.9 RPG 9.6 APG
G Brandon Roy Portland Trail Blazers – 23.1 PPG 4.6 RPG 5 APG
G Chris Paul New Orleans Hornets – 19.6 PPG 4.6 RPG 11.3 APG
G Monta Ellis Golden State Warriors – 26.7 PPG 4.3 RPG 5.5 APG
F Carmelo Anthony Denver Nuggets – 29.8 PPG 6.3 RPG 3.3 APG
F Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks – 25.5 PPG 7.9 RPG 2.5 APG
C Chris Kaman Los Angeles Clippers – 20.4 PPG 9.3 RPG 1.9 APG

Recap: The Western Conference is always the most difficult, but in hind sight it really isn’t. The starters you can’t argue with. Please those of you voting for Tracy McGrady tell me where I’m wrong. Having four guards is a little much, but there weren’t a lot of forwards that deserved the nod over these guys. Williams is a great point guard who will lead the league in assists some day. Paul who is the best point guard will always be averaging 20 and 10 a game, but he will also get plenty of triple double opportunities. Roy and Ellis are having career years that should be noted for this event. Even though the Blazers are still under the radar and the Warriors stink, they both should be here. Anthony is finally having a breakthrough season in which there is no doubt who is the best small forward in Western Conference. Dirk is always going to be here so long as he puts up those great numbers on a team that wouldn’t be able to replace him. Yes, I put a Clipper on the team. Why? Numbers and he is finally living up to his potential. The Clippers gave him almost 60 million and that investment is finally coming through. They won’t contend, but they at least having something to go with Baron Davis.

Follow me on twitter and let me know where I’m wrong in my selections. “Talkin’ Sports” returns to KLBC tomorrow night 7-9:30pm (Pacific) with Wes & JR bringing you their take on sports like you’ve never heard before.